Recently in Cajon High School Category

That had to be the most tightly contested game I've seen all year on Tuesday night, when Cajon downed Arroyo Valley 62-61 in overtime, to clinch the San Andreas League boys basketball crown.
It probably wasn't the best-played game, but it was definitely the most fun to watch.
Great crowd at Arroyo Valley on senior night.
It was a tight game that featured 8 lead changes and 6 ties.
The last tie came after Arroyo Valey's Bobby Bonner sank a 3-pointer with 5.7 seconds left in regulation to tie the score 55-55.
Arroyo Valley scoring machine Stephen Marshall (no relation to me, as far as I know) made eight 3-pointers, including two in overtime and scored 31 points. His last 3-pointer with 1:52 to play in overtime gave Arroyo Valley at 61-59 lead.
Alonzo McCain missed a chance to tie the game when he made only one of two free throws with 1:05 to play in overtime. But Michael Henley made the off-balance jumper as time expired in overtime to lift the Cowboys to victory.

Carter won its first-ever San Andreas League wrestling title with a 45-24 victory over Cajon on Wednesday. It was not, however, Carter's first-ever league title in wrestling. The Lions won a league title for the 2007-08 season when they were in the Citrus Belt League.

Carlos Navarro (106), Casper Sherow (138), Clayton Atlas (152), Jesse Medina (170), Michael Martinez (220) and Kenneth Clark (285) recorded pins for Carter.

Cajon had won the last two league titles and 13 of the last 15 in the SAL. But now the Cowboys will be headed to the Citrus Belt League.

When Cajon defeated Pacific 88-61 in a San Andreas League girls basketball game on Thursday, it marked coach Mark Lehman's 600th career victory as a head coach.
Lehman began his head coaching career as Cajon's boys coach, and compiled 309 victories in 14 years with the boys, and Thursday's win was his 291st in this his 11th season as the girls coach.

Great performance by Rialto in beating Cajon, 27-25 on a Javone Morgan touchdown pass to Tyler Telphy with 25.7 seconds to play.

So much happened in the game that my complete story isn't running in the paper. Here is the complete story.

By Pete Marshall Staff Writer
RIALTO -- Rialto football teams in recent years would have succumbed to Cajon after an 81-yard touchdown on the second play in the game.
If not then, the Knights likely would have wilted after Cajon took the lead in the second quarter or the third. And if they hadn't been done in by that point, surely Cajon's go-ahead touchdown with 5:15 to play would have done in the Knights.
But this is a different Rialto team.
Rialto kept responding and sophomore Javone Morgan lofted a 12-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Telphy on fourth down with 25.7 seconds to play as the Knights stunned Cajon 27-25 in a San Andreas League showdown at Rialto High.
Area fans will have to take notice of the Knights (6-1, 4-0) after pinning the first loss of the season on the Cowboys (6-1, 3-1).
"This is a big win for us," Rialto coach Gavin Pachot said. "But we've still got San Gorgonio and Carter coming up."
After Cajon took a 25-20 lead on Kendrick Gaines' 43-yard touchdown pass from Edwin Martinez with 5:15 to play, Morgan directed the game-winning drive.
He also threw to Telphy for the go-ahead score.
"Our quarterback made that play. It was supposed to go to the other side and he brought it back to the other side," Pachot said. "That's a sophomore who's growing up right before us."
It was the only catch of the game for Telphy, but not the only big play. Telphy led the Knights with 13 carries for 150 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
"He's a home-run threat," Pachot said. "And we made a commitment to get him the ball more."
Coaches frequently talk about the importance of special teams, but seldom is special teams a difference-maker like it was on Friday.
Rialto kicker Jonathan Pena made field goals of 31 and 38 yards (the latter on the final play of the first half), but he also put every kickoff into the end zone for a touchback.
"I know those guys, No. 7 (Jordan Howard) and No. 24 (Damontae Kazee) want to get their hands on the ball," Pachot said of Cajon's kick returners. "So those kickoffs were big."
Cajon's special teams were not as good.
Kazee had a huge game offensively for Cajon, with 109 yards receiving and a touchdown and 88 yards rushing and a touchdown, but he's also the team's long snapper.
He had two errant long snaps, the first on Cajon's first extra point (immediately after his 81-yard touchdown run) and the Cowboys failed on the conversion.
The second went over punter Leo Sanchez's head and a subsequent scramble and errant punt gave Rialto the ball on the Cajon 11.
On the next play, Telphy scored his first touchdown to give Rialto a 10-6 lead in the first quarter.
Cajon answered with another touchdown in the second, a Deontrae Kazee 2-yard run, and Cajon coach Kim Battin elected to go for two in the second quarter and failed, leaving Cajon ahead, 12-10.
"We started chasing points early and probably shouldn't have done that," Battin said.
Rialto's first two-minute drill came at the end of the first half, as the Knights drove down, with Morgan's 18-yard scramble setting up Pena's 38-yard field goal that gave Rialto a 13-12 lead at the half.
Damontae Kazee turned a short pass into a 65-yard touchdown after sidestepping one defender and jumping over another to give Cajon a 19-13 lead with 1:58 to play in the third.
But on the very next play, Telphy answered with a 69-yard run and Rialto regained the lead 20-19.
Rialto's next two drives ended with Morgan interceptions, including one by Damontae Kazee. The second interception (by Michael Sandoval) led to Gaines turning a short pass and racing up the middle for a 43-yard touchdown and a 25-20 lead with 5:15 to play. The two-point conversion failed, leaving the door open for Rialto.
Martinez completed 20 of 32 passes for 257 yards and no interceptions for Cajon.
"That was a great football game between two good football teams," Battin said. "Those are two teams that showed a lot of heart. But they've still got some tough games left. I've said all along I didn't think the league champion would go undefeated."
pete.marshall@inlandnewspapers.com
909-483-9364

Sun Top 10

1. Redlands East Valley (0-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Compton Dominguez (0-1).

2. Upland (1-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. San Bernardino, 63-14. Up next: Thursday at Tustin (1-0).

3. Rancho Cucamonga (1-0)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Silverado, 52-0. Up next: Friday vs. Temecula Great Oak (1-0).

4. Cajon (1-0)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Temecula Chaparral, 30-14. Up next: Friday vs. Eisenhower (1-0).

5. Serrano (1-0)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Paraclete, 7-6. Up next: Friday at Silverado (0-1).

6. Redlands (1-0)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Apopka (Fla.) Wekiva, 21-7. Up next: Friday vs. No. 8 Summit (0-1).

7. Etiwanda (1-0)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Summit, 49-36. Up next: Friday vs. Vista Murrieta (0-0).

8. Summit (0-1)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: lost to Etiwanda, 49-36. Up next: Friday at No. 6 Redlands (1-0).

9. Kaiser (0-0)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Barstow (0-1).

10. Yucaipa (1-0)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Oak Park, 52-0. Up next: Friday at Moreno Valley Canyon Springs (0-1).

Just missed the cut: Chino (1-0), San Gorgonio (0-0), Chino Hills (0-1).

Dropped out: No. 4 Colton (0-1), No. 7 Chino Hills (0-1).

1. Redlands East Valley
The Wildcats had an uncharacteristically early exit from the playoffs last year, but they went undefeated in the Citrus Belt League with a junior-dominated team. Fifteen returning starters, many of whom play in the trenches, and depth at the skill positions made the Wildcats my No. 1 pick. How quarterback Austin Decoud matures could make the difference between a short and a long playoff run.

2. Upland
The Highlanders ran into the Corona Centennial freight train in the playoffs last year, but there is a lot coming back to Upland. Wide receiver Kenny Lawler, a soft commit to Arizona State, is the top recruit in the county while running back Donta Abron is also legit. The Highlanders should also be legit on defense, led by defensive end Christian Pwwell, should be salty as well.

3. Summit
I was tempted to put the SkyHawks No. 1, as they return 13 starters from a team that went to the Eastern Division championship game. Only reason I didn't is because I want to see how the Summit compensates for the loss of Devon Blackmon and Montigo Alford from the offense. That being said, there's a lot of talent here and this may be the year which Kaiser's hold on the Sunkist League is broken.

4. Colton
The one team to win a CIF title last year, the Yellowjackets lose a lot of studs from last year's team, namely RB Tyler Irvin and all-everything LB Devan Hussey. But Colton is well-coached, reloads extremely well and has the size to ram the ball down people's throats as it loves to do. Colton might not play to this ranking early, but I wouldn't want to mess with the Yellowjackets come November.

5. Rancho Cucamonga
They may be three spots removed from Upland in these rankings, but the difference between the Cougars and Highlanders is razor thin. Rancho returns a host of starters and contributors from last year's Inland Division semifinalist. If they can find a workhorse offensively to replace Sateki Finau, they could easily switch spots with Upland in these rankings.

6. Cajon
The Cowboys were a failed 2-point conversion away from possibly being a CIF champion last year, as they lost to Colton in a Central Division semifinal classic. The Cowboys actually won the SAL last year and led by WR/DB Damontae Kazee, have the personnel for a repeat. Cajon tends to start slow but come November, I expect this team to be a beast.

7. Chino Hills
The Huskies gave Corona Centennial a better game than anyone else in Southern California could last year, losing to them in a relatively-close semifinal game. They do lose some big-time players in WR/DB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, RB Nate Harris and DE Auston Johnson, but Chino Hills has gotten to a point in its program where it just reloads. Don't sleep on the Huskies.

8. Serrano
The Diamondbacks are one of the most consistent high-achieving programs in the county, as they've won 11 Mojave River League championships since 1997 and have been to the semifinals or better the last three seasons. Serrano has a host of RBs and a deep, experienced offensive line. If they can get some typical D-back production out of a young defense, they could be a dark horse CIF title contender.

9. Redlands
The Terriers lost a heart-breaker to Redlands East Valley last year in what was a prime opportunity to win their first league title since 2006. Redlands will be younger this year, as the Terriers are depending on a host of juniors, but will be physical and hard-nosed as always. Senior WR/DB/QB Mike Stallone is the player to watch for Redlands. If they can keep him involved, they'll be dangerous.

10. Kaiser
It feels weird to put the Cats this low and this is something I could easily regret in a couple of months. But Kaiser was ravaged by graduation after a wonderful 12-1 season last year, losing 18 of 22 starters. The Cats seemed to replace quality with quality and will probably produce another physical, hard-hitting behemoth, but their youth, combined with Summit, puts me in a wait-and-see mode.

As far as teams that barely missed the cut, San Gorgonio was a tough omission. They played as well as anyone in the county last year to finish second in the SAL, but I need to see how Monroe Offield handles things at QB before moving them in. Chino lost quite a bit of talent from its 11-1 season, but returns QB Sean Molles and RB Xavier Browne and looks to be the favorite in the Mt. Baldy League. Etiwanda should be as exciting as ever, with senior QB Larry Cutbirth and senior LB Chandler Scott returning.

Cajon High School has 32 seniors coming back from a team that went through the San Andreas League undefeated for the second time in three years en route to a berth in the Central Division semifinals. But there isn't much satisfaction among the Cowboys, who still remember the painful 42-41 overtime loss to Colton in the semifinals.

"We hope that having 32 seniors that have played in some big games and have been to the semifinals will pay off for us," Cajon coach Kim Battin said. "We look at what we have this year position-by-position compared to last year and we feel pretty good about how we stack up."

Leading the way for the Cowboys is defensive back/wide receiver Damontae Kazee. Kazee (6-0, 175) was an all-CIF performer on defense and the leading receiver for the Cowboys offensively. He verbally committed to the University of Washington over the summer but is still receiving interest from all over the Pac-12, namely Arizona State and UCLA.

Kazee will combine with senior tight end Taylor Moore (6-2, 215) to give new quarterback Edwin Martinez (6-1, 215) some elite targets. Martinez has huge shoes to fill, as the former linebacker replaces All-Sun Player of the Year Thomas Carter.

Colony athlete Bryan Harper committed to the University of Washington Tuesday according to a Rivals.com article. Harper, a 6-foot, 180-pound athlete who transferred to Colony after playing quarterback at Carter the last two seasons, chose the Huskies after a recent trip to the school with teammate Robert Wagner. The three-star prospect also had offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Colorado State, Montana and New Mexico State.

Harper is the second county player to pledge to the Huskies this month, joining Cajon defensive back Damontae Kazee. Kazee, a first-team all-Sun selection last year, formally introduced his commitment to Washington June 13 after being a silent commitment for a while according to Scout.com.

Eight county players highlight the Southern California All-Star team for the first SoCal vs. Arizona All-Star Game, which will be held Saturday night at 7 p.m. at the Surprise Baseball Complex in Surprise, Ariz. Cajon quarterback Thomas Carter, Colton linebacker Devan Hussey, Redlands offensive lineman Jordan Smith and defensive lineman John Siliga, Redlands East Valley defensive backs Taylor Fernandez and Josh Armstrong and Kaiser linebackers Davonte Manning and Dennis Taylor will be playing Saturday for the SoCal team, which will have an all-star cast of retired coaches at the helm.

Former Fontana and Kaiser coach Dick Bruich will be part of a staff that includes former Claremont coach Bob Baiz and former Damien coach Dick Larson.

Cajon quarterback Thomas Carter, the 2010 All-Sun Most Valuable Player, will sign with Portland State, according to a text I received from Carter Tuesday night. Carter, who passed for 1,853 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 584 yards and five scores in leading Cajon to a San Andreas League title and a berth in the CIF semifinals, is up at Portland State today to finalize his scholarship before flying down to Arizona for Saturday's SoCal/Arizona all-star game.

Got an e-mail last night from Cajon coach Jerry Tivey detailing the exploits of former Cowgirls Ashley Maroda and Breja'e Washington. Maroda, a 2007 graduate, led New Mexico State to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history this year and went 3-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs in the Aggies' 9-0 win over Texas Tech in the NCAA regionals Friday night. A senior, Maroda is in the top 5 of 10 different categories of New Mexico State's record book.

Washington, a freshman at Texas, tied the school single-season record with 35 stolen bases this year and will likely break it this weekend, as the Longhorns are also playing in an NCAA regional this weekend. Not a bad first year by any means.

Also, Rialto graduate Bree Evans is playing right now for Michigan in the NCAA regional in Ann Arbor. Evans, an outfielder and leadoff hitter, will likely see her season end fairly soon however, as the Wolverines are down 8-3 in the sixth inning to Notre Dame in an elimination game.

Cajon senior Katie Braun finished a mere .05 seconds short of winning a CIF title in the 100 freestyle at the Division 4 meet, as she was barely outtouched by Alverno's Kali Kearns, who swam a 54.81 to Braun's 54.86. Still not a bad way to end her CIF-SS career, as that time puts her in Tuesday's CIF-Masters meet.

Five county-based basketball players made ESPNRise's All-State Underclass Junior teams recently. Three county girls -- Summit center Jillian Alleyne, Cajon guard Sophia Bhasin and Rialto center Denae Williams were among 20 recognized by the website for their achievements this past season. Bhasin and Wiliams were first-team all-Sun selections this past season while Alleyne was a second-team pick.

Two boys with county selections were among 15 juniors selected for the boys underclass team. Chino Hills native Grant Jerrett, who attends two-time defending state champion La Verne Lutheran, and Chino native Chris Reyes, who is at Damien, were both selected. Jerrett has verbally committed to the University of Arizona.

The complete teams:

Girls
Jordan Adams (Mater Dei, Santa Ana) 6-1 PG
Jillian Alleyne (Summit, Fontana) 6-2 F/C
Aly Beebe (St. Joseph, Santa Maria) 6-5 C
Sophie Bhasin (Cajon, San Bernardino) 5-7 G
Kelsey Brockway (Palos Verdes, PV Estates) 6-1 C/F
Ashlie Bruner (Palisades, Pacific Palisades) 5-6 G
Elisha Davis (Berkeley) 5-8 G
Tia Dixon (San Diego) 5-7 G
Nyre' Harris (Lincoln, Stockton) 5-8 G
Lauren Holiday (Campbell Hall, North Hollywood) 5-9 G
Maya Hood (La Jolla Country Day, La Jolla) 5-10 F
Hannah Huffman (Carondelet, Concord) 5-10 G
Michelle Miller (Poly, Pasadena) 5-6 G
Terilyn Moe (Terra Nova, Pacifica) 5-9 G
Jeanier Olukemi (Brea Olinda, Brea) 6-0 F
Christine Salvatore (Canyon, Anaheim) 5-10 G
Imani Stafford (Windward, Los Angeles) 6-7 C
Annie Tarakchian (Chaminade, West Hills) 6-0 C
Keitra Wallace (Brea Olinda, Brea) 5-11 F
Denae Williams (Rialto) 6-1 F

Boys
Brandon Ashley (Bishop O'Dowd, Oakland) 6-9 C
Zena Esomwan (Harvard-Westlake, N. Hollywood) 6-8 F
Julian Harrell (Loyola, Los Angeles) 6-5 F
Grant Jerrett (Lutheran, La Verne) 6-8 C
Donovan Johnson (Palisades, Pacific Palisades) 6-0 G
Tajai Johnson (Vallejo) 6-2 G
Xavier Johnson (Mater Dei, Santa Ana) 6-6 F
Joe Rahon (Torrey Pines, San Diego) 6-1 G
Katin Reinhardt (Mater Dei, Santa Ana) 6-3 G
Chris Reyes (Damien, La Verne) 6-7 F
Matt Shrigley (La Costa Canyon, Carlsbad) 6-4 G
E.J. Twyman (Elsinore, Lake Elsinore) 6-1 G
Grant Verhoeven (Central Valley Christian, Visalia) 6-8 C
Tyrone Wallace (Bakersfield) 6-3 F
Gabe York (Lutheran, Orange) 6-3 G

There weren't many surprises at today's Citrus Belt Area releaguing meeting this morning at Norte Vista High School, as Cajon moved from the San Andreas League to the Citrus Belt League while Fontana and Colton were placed in the Sunkist League, moving from the CBL and the SAL, respectively.

These moves were part of Proposal 8, which was drafted by Moreno Valley High School and beat out 15 other proposals. It did in interesting fashion, as it received 60 votes during the eighth round of voting, beating out four other proposals that had 41 votes each. Due to the Citrus Belt Area's bylaws, all of the other proposals were eliminated, as any proposal in last or tied for last automatically gets the boot.

As far as the other leagues go, expect an appeal from Vista del Lago HS. The Ravens' athletic director, Kevin Ferguson, was the only athletic director or principal to reject the proposal, as the Ravens were placed in an Inland Valley League that got tougher than the one they were asking for relief from, as former Big VIII schools Riverside North and Riverside Poly joined the league. Vista del Lago can appeal to the CIF-SS offices if it chooses.

The Citrus Belt Area will vote for and announce its releaguing for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons May 2 after an 8:30 a.m. meeting at Riverside Norte Vista High School. As expected, rumors are flying about possible shifts, with several prominent county schools possibly being impacted.

Possibilities that are being put out there through discussions with sources include Cajon moving from the San Andreas to the Citrus Belt League to replace Fontana, which would join fellow Fontana Unified School District schools Summit and Kaiser in the Sunkist League. The Sunkist would be a FUSD-Colton Joint Unified School District league, with Colton and the new Grand Terrace school joining Bloomington.

The Riverside County schools in the Sunkist -- Jurupa Valley, Patriot and Norte Vista -- would likely be placed in Riverside County-contained leagues. There might be a jumbling of schools in Riverside County, as schools such as Riverside North and Riverside Poly are supposedly asking for relief from the ultra-competitive Big VIII League. That relief, if granted, could cause a shuffling of schools or even the formation of another league.

Obviously these situations are rumor at this point and will be revealed and voted on in a couple weeks, but I thought it'd be fun to see what people think about such proposed changes.

20 percent of the teams ranked in the top 25 of the Calhisports girls basketball top 25 are from the county, led by San Andreas League co-champion Cajon's No. 9 mark. Other teams to be ranked include fellow SAL co-champion Rialto at No. 15. The Knights also won the CIF-SS Division 2AA title and made it to the CIF-State Division II championship game before losing to Stockton St. Mary's. Baseline League champ Etiwanda clocked in at No. 17, with Rancho Cucamonga and Summit notching rankings of No. 24 and 25, respectively.

Here's the final rankings.

1. Mater Dei
2. Stockton St. Mary's
3. Brea Olinda
4. Long Beach Poly
5. Berkeley
6. Canyon Springs
7. Windward
8. Concord Carondelet
9. Cajon
10. La Jolla Country Day
11. Berkeley St. Mary's
12. Narbonne
13. Edison
14. Troy
15. Rialto
16. Corona Santiago
17. Etiwanda
18. Santa Maria St. Joseph
19. Santa Monica
20. San Ramon Dougherty Valley
21. Oakland Bishop O'Dowd
22. Loomis Del Oro
23. Sacramento St. Francis
24. Rancho Cucamonga
25. Summit

The 15th Annual County Clash will take place Saturday at Arrowhead Credit Union Park in San Bernardino with a baseball tripleheader starting at 1 p.m.

Arroyo Valley and Carter start the day at 1 p.m., with crosstown rivals Cajon and San Gorgonio playing at 4 p.m. and Citrus Belt League foes Fontana and Yucaipa facing off in the nightcap at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are $4 and can either be purchased at Arrowhead Credit Union Park or at each participating school. For more information contact Sam Farber at (909) 495-7632 or at sfarber@ie66ers.com.

Ashley Simmons, who would've been one of the pitchers used by Cajon softball coach Jerry Tivey this season, now won't be. That's because Simmons has transferred to San Gorgonio.

Simmons was with Cajon just before the season started but has since transferred to San Gorgonio. Her transfer was approved by the CIF-Southern Section on Friday. She has not yet played varsity softball and I believe she is a senior.

Interestingly enough, Cajon opens league play on Tuesday -- you guessed it -- at home against San Gorgonio.

Cajon, meanwhile, finished play in the Hemet Tournament on Friday night, beating Palm Desert 19-8 in four innings to capture seventh place. Although she didn't pitch her best, Sharon Estrada had a record-breaking day at the plate. Estrada went 4-for-4 with two home runs and a school-record nine RBIs to lead the Cowgirls.

Just released today by the CIF-SS offices. A few schools - Los Osos, Redlands East Valley and Cajon - had multiple athletes honored.

Division 3
Player of the Year: Emily Donohoe, Sr., St. Lucy's
Coach of the Year: Bryan Lynton, Murrieta Valley

Melizz Hale, Sr., Murrieta Valley
Paige Virgil, Fr., Murrieta Valley
Caroline Teets, Sr., Murrieta Valley
Megan Guerts, Jr., Murrieta Valley
Cambria Shockley, Jr., St. Lucy's
Sabrina Kaefer, Sr., St. Lucy's
Kim Johnson, Jr., Arroyo Grande
Katie Sverchek, Jr., Arroyo Grande
Anna-Lena Hathaway, Sr., South Pasadena
Tyler Brown, Sr., South Pasadena
Monique Dorado, Jr., La Serna
Kim Van Alstine, Sr., Ayala
Gabrielle Juarez, Sr., Whittier

Division 4
Player of the Year: Ashley Grossman, Sr., Harvard-Westlake
Coach of the Year: Robert Lynn, Harvard-Westlake

Camille Hooks, Sr., Harvard-Westlake
Morgan Hallock, So., Harvard-Westlake
Aleah Halverson, Jr., Los Osos
Colleen McNaught, Sr., Dana Hills
Dani Styles, Sr., Dana Hills
Kristen Hensen, So., Los Osos
Alex Bayer, Sr., Los Osos
Frankie Libutti, Jr., Upland
Katherine Kammer, Sr., Troy
Morgan Klingfus, Sr., La Habra
Alex Hoetker, Sr., Sunny Hills
Bella Gonzalez, Jr., Harvard-Westlake
Mackenzie Baber, Jr., Trabuco Hills

Division 5
Player of the Year: Lauren Thatcher, Sr., Temescal Canyon
Coach of the Year: Damien Andrews, Temescal Canyon

Lina Medeiros, Jr., Temescal Canyon
Samantha Murphy, So., Temescal Canyon
Ashtynn Nelson, Jr., Temescal Canyon
Ambyr Stewart, Jr., Bonita
Haley Williamson, Sr., Bonita
Megan Snow, Jr., Bonita
Kaitlyn Tanner, Sr., Redlands East Valley
Mikayla Vessey, So., Redlands East Valley
Kim Fraisse, Sr., Crescenta Valley
Adrienne Ingalla, Sr., Crescenta Valley
Allison Hu, Sr., Walnut
Alegra Hueso, Jr., Pasadena
Stephanie Contreras, So., Los Altos

Division 7
Player of the Year: Kaitlyn Frain, Sr., Garden Grove
Coach of the Year: Fred Lammers, Santa Ana Valley

Jenny Silva, Sr., Santa Ana Valley
Katie Braun, Sr., Cajon
Elizabeth Keenan, Sr., Garden Grove
Jazmin Hinojoza, Jr., Santa Ana Valley
Briana Salas, Jr., Los Amigos
Christina Alamazan, Sr., Katella
Lauren Stierl, Sr., San Gorgonio
Jaime Hauk, Sr., Cajon
Gabriela Chavez, So., Santa Ana Valley
Jillian Prieto, Sr., Katella
Zoe Agapinan, Sr., Garden Grove
Dianna Solano, Sr., Santa Ana Valley
Loreina Rivera, Jr., Citrus Valley

Cajon girls basketball coach Mark Lehman and boys basketball coach Randy Murray are once again spearheading the annual Boys and Girls Senior All-Star Basketball Game between All-Star teams from San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The 31st Annual edition of these games will be played April 22 at 6 p.m. (girls) and 8 p.m. (boys) at Cajon High School and both coaches are looking for nominations for the game, which will feature a 3-point shooting contest at halftime of the girls game and a slam-dunk contest at halftime of the boys game.

Nominating coaches and athletic directors should send Lehman (girls) and Murray (boys) the following information in their nominaton -- player's name, jersey number, high school, position, email address, cell and/or home phone number, height, statistics and why they should be representing their county. This information should be e-mailed to Lehman for the girls at mark.lehman@sbcusd.com or Murray for the boys at randy.murray@sbcusd.com.

Cajon girls basketball coach Mark Lehman was honored with a Southern California Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association Longevity Award at Friday night's CIF-SS Division 1AA championship game at Anaheim Arena. Lehman has led the Cowgirls to nine straight San Andreas League titles and CIF titles in 2008 and 2009 during his storied career at Cajon High School. The Cowgirls compiled a 29-2 record and shared the SAL title with Rialto this season before falling to Moreno Valley Canyon Springs in the D1AA quarterfinals.

These will be played Wednesday, with finals set for Saturday at the Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine.

Division 4
No. 3 Los Osos vs. No. 2 Dana Hills, 2:30 p.m., Woollett Aquatic Center
Upland vs. No. 1 Harvard-Westlake, 4 p.m., Woollett Aquatic Center

Division 5
No. 3 Crescenta Valley vs. No. 2 Temescal Canyon, 6 p.m., Mt. SAC, Walnut
No. 4 Bonita vs. No. 1 Redlands East Valley, 7:30 p.m., Mt. SAC

Division 7
No. 3 Cajon vs. No. 2 Santa Ana Valley, 4 p.m., Costa Mesa HS
Katella vs No. 1 Garden Grove, 5:30 p.m., Costa Mesa HS

The San Andreas League saw three basketball streaks, all of which involved Cajon in some way, shape or form, disinegrate during this season. The most notable of the three came on the girls' side, as the Cowgirls saw their 85-game league winning streak -- a streak that dated back to the 2002-03 campaign -- snapped Jan. 28 with a 43-41 loss against Rialto. Cajon and the Knights, the No. 1 seed in the Division 2AA playoffs, tied for the league championship. Summit now has the longest league win streak in the county for girls basketball, having won all 50 of its Sunkist League games since opening its doors in 2006.

San Bernardino also broke a pair of streaks this past season, as the Cardinals defeated Cajon for the first time in 18 years en route to winning their first league title since 1993. San Bernardino, the No. 6 seed in the D2A playoffs, broke their streak of futility against Cajon with an 83-57 win Jan. 19 and extended their winning streak over the Cowboys with a 79-71 win last Monday. San Bernardino has now won 18 SAL games in a row dating back to last year.

Other boys basketball teams with long league winning streaks include Eisenhower and Summit, who won undefeated league titles in the Citrus Belt and Sunkist Leagues, respectively. The Eagles have now won 32 CBL games in a row dating back to the 2008-09 season while the SkyHawks have won 29 games in the Sunkist League dating back to 08-09.

San Bernardino High School boys basketball coach Darin Graham gives his team the night of and the morning after a big win to celebrate. After Monday's 79-73 victory over Cajon clinched the Cardinals' first league championship in 18 years, Graham will give his players the afternoon to celebrate as well.

"In one word, the feeling is great," Graham said. "This was a long time coming and the mood around campus is something I haven't seen here in a while. Students, teachers, administrators, everyone is happy and school spirit is as high as it has been in years."

That school spirit contributed to an electric atmosphere at Cardinal City Arena Monday night, as famed alumni such as Mark Seay and Jack Brown were among the fans attending. Recent Cardinal alumni spearheaded the Gatorade bath of Graham after the victory and helped lead the throng of fans who rushed the floor to celebrate the historic win.

"Everyone who has been in this program can share in this victory," Graham said. "Cajon has dominated across the board for a long time and for us to get this victory meant so much, from our current players to our former players. They all were a part of what led up to this."

After losing to the Cardinals 83-57 at Cajon Jan. 19 for their first loss to San Bernardino in 18 years, Cajon came out playing well, leading for most of the first two quarter and only being down 33-32 at halftime. But a 22-13 Cardinal spurt in the third quarter led by seniors Choncey White, who ended with 23 points, and Jeremiah Tardy, who had 17 on the game, gave San Bernardino wiggle room and eventually got the party started.

"We were 12-0 coming in, they were 11-1," Graham said. "I told our guys that they weren't going to back down and let us have this, that we had to take it. That's exactly what we did."

No No. 1s this week, but plenty of No. 2s, as Oak Hills, Cajon and Arrowhead Christian are in the second spot in Divisions 4, 5 and 6, respectively.

DIVISION 4
1. El Rancho
2. Oak Hills
3. Santa Monica
4. Cathedral
5. Norwalk
6. La Salle
7. Artesia
8. California
9. Salesian
10. Diamond Ranch

DIVISION 5
1. La Canada
2. Cajon
3. Victor Valley
4. Baldwin Park
5. Granite Hills
6. Carter
7. Carpinteria
8. Lakeside
9. Mountain View
10T. Garden Grove Santiago
10T. Cerritos Valley Christian

DIVISION 6
1. Brentwood
2. Arrowhead Christian
3. Buckley
4. Tahquitz
5T. Bishop Union
5T. San Jacinto
7. Rubidoux
8. Ontario Christian
9. Pasadena Poly
10. Windward

It was not a huge surprise that Cajon defeated Etiwanda on Friday in the championship game of the Ayala Best of the West Tournament.
After all, Cajon (16-0) is undefeated for a reason. How they did it was another matter.
Trailing 18-4 in the first quarter and 34-17 in the second, the Cowgirls figured out Etiwanda's press and rallied, eventually taking a 63-60 victory at Ayala High School.
"We wanted to finish this year undefeated," Cajon coach Mark Lehman said on New Year's Eve. "Now we want to go undefeated next year."
After Etiwanda (11-2) closed to within 63-60 on a Jada Blackwell (15 points) 3-pointer with about 20 seconds to play, Etiwanda had two more possessions. One resulted in a turnover, the other in a desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer that missed everything.
Shannon Moore was impressive in the rally for Cajon, scoring 10 of her team-high 14 points in the second half. Kori Walker had 10 of her 12 in the second half, Angelica Guardado scored 12 and Sophia Bhasin scored all 10 of her points in the second half.
Etiwanda led 52-49 on a basket by Met Onogomuho (game-high 16 points) with 4:54 to play, but a 14-5 run by the Cowgirls gave them the upper hand.
Etiwanda's efforts were hurt at the point guard position. Rachel Williams got in early foul trouble and was not as effective as usual. The other point guard, senior Angelique Bailey, suffered a partially torn meniscus in the first game of the tournament and is expected to miss another week.

Arrived last week, but waited for Colton to finish playing before publishing it. Cajon's do-everything quarterback Thomas Carter earned offensive MVP honors while Colton linebacker Devan Hussey was named defensive MVP for the second straight year.

Superlatives:
Offensive MVP: Thomas Carter, QB, Sr., Cajon
Defensive MVP: Devan Hussey, LB, Sr., Colton

First Team
Offense
Dayln Contreras, QB, Sr,. San Gorgonio
Rory Colbert, RB, Sr., Carter
Tyler Ervin, RB, Sr., Colton
Jamie Snowten, RB, Jr., San Gorgonio
Tyler Telphy, RB, Jr., Rialto
Brandon Charles, WR, Jr., San Gorgonio
Haneef Hill, WR, Jr., Pacific
Ryan Jones, WR, Sr., Cajon
Damontae Kazee, WR, Jr., Cajon
Jordan Becar, OL, Sr,. Cajon
Ivan Grano, OL, Sr., Carter
Julian Ramos, OL, Jr., Rialto
Paul Rodriguez, OL, Sr., San Gorgonio
John Taylor, OL, Sr., Colton
John Pena, K, Jr., Rialto

Defense
Ryan Hunter-Sims, DL, Jr., San Gorgonio
Paul Rodriguez, DL, Sr., San Gorgonio
John Taylor, DL, Sr., Colton
Dion Thompson, DL, Sr., Cajon
Rodney Hardrick, LB, Sr., Colton
Reyshawn Hooker, LB, Jr., Arroyo Valley
Anthony Pomee, LB, Sr., Rialto
Brian Pratt, LB, Sr., San Gorgonio
Damontae Kazee, DB, Jr., Cajon
Davion Lucas, DB, Sr., San Gorgonio
Hastens Roberts, DB, Sr., Colton
Tayvion Smith, DB, Sr., Carter
Robert Williams, P, Sr., Rialto

Second Team
Offense
Jordan Mixon, QB, Sr., Colton
Robert Brown, RB, Sr., San Bernardino
Mike Martin, RB, Sr., San Gorgonio
Khayree Sanders, RB, Jr., Carter
Tyrone Thomas, RB, Jr., Arroyo Valley
Ahmad Cummings, WR, Jr., Arroyo Valley
Daviontay Glass, WR, Sr., San Bernardino
Monroe Offeld, WR, Jr., San Gorgonio
Hastens Roberts, WR, Sr., Colton
Kenneth Clark, OL, So., Carter
Raymond Esparza, OL, Jr., Cajon
Ryan Hanna, OL, Sr., Colton
Tevita Kalavi, OL, Jr., San Gorgonio
Robert Nimmo, OL, Sr., San Bernardino

Defense
Kenneth Clark, DL, So., Carter
Adiem Eboke, DL, Jr., Arroyo Valley
Victor Quintero, DL, Sr., Colton
Nick Seiuli, DL, Jr., Rialto
Miguel Bettancourt, LB, So., Cajon
Daniel Castro, LB, Jr., Carter
Josh Trotter, LB, Jr., Carter
Trayvon White, LB, Sr., San Gorgonio
Kris Brown, DB, Jr., Carter
Bryan Davis, DB, So., Rialto
Khleem Perkins, DB, So., San Bernardino
Tony Wilson, DB, Sr., Arroyo Valley

Some real good matchups this week, as you'd expect at this stage in the playoffs.

INLAND DIVISION

Corona Centennial at Chino Hills
No. 1 Centennial is known for the explosive offense, but Chino Hills has been putting up some gaudy totals in the playoffs, throwing up 70 on Corona and 45 on Etiwanda to get to this point. Can the No. 4-seeded Huskies keep up with Centennial and pull the shocker? Upland did have some success, but I think Centennial will wear down Chino Hills in the second half like it did the Highlanders.
Corona Centennial 49, Chino Hills 30

Rancho Cucamonga at Vista Murrieta
If there's one thing teams can do in the Inland Division, it's score points by the truckload. Both of these teams were ballin last week, with No. 3 Rancho hitting up Roosevelt for 51 points and No. 2 Vista Murrieta putting up 48 in waxing Norco. I really like what Rancho Cucamonga has done, but I think the Cougars may be a year away from winning this game. I like the seeds to hold and the Broncos to win a doozy.
Vista Murrieta 38, Rancho Cucamonga 28

CENTRAL DIVISION

La Quinta 27, Rancho Verde 24
Have to stick with my pre--playoff pick here, though Rancho Verde's 49-3 win over a red-hot San Gorgonio team definitely turned some heads.

Cajon at Colton
This is where I'll be Saturday and quite frankly, I can't wait. Cajon won the first matchup in October, winning 29-20 at Colton, but the Yellowjackets will have star RB Tyler Ervin back. Colton's offense has exploded the last two weeks, combining for 89 points. Cajon quarterback Thomas Carter exploded last week too, looking like Vince Young in the 2006 Rose Bowl (sorry USC fans) in the win over Arlington. Been hemming and hawing on this one, but I'll go with Cajon and its 9-game win streak.
Cajon 28, Colton 27

EASTERN DIVISION

Elsinore at Kaiser
The No. 4 seeded Tigers will come in unafraid and try to match top-seeded Kaiser punch-for-punch. Not sure that is the best way to face the Cats, who have pummeled every opponent in their path, with the Apple Valley schools being their latest two victims. Have a hard time imagining Elsinore being able to hold up for a full four quarters.
Kaiser 36, Elsinore 14

Summit at Serrano
While I'm happy to be at Cajon-Colony, it sucks that I can't clone myself and go to this one as well. Summit has probably the most explosive combo of offensive players in the county in Devon Blackmon and Montigo Alford, but has a tough test ahead of it with Serrano's physical, brawling defense. The SkyHawks went punch to punch with Kaiser better than anyone else has, but a Saturday night in frigid Snowline Stadium is a bit too much to overcome.
Serrano 23, Summit 14

EAST VALLEY DIVISION

Paraclete 38, St. Margaret's 20

Sierra Canyon at Yucca Valley
Can the Yucca Valley Cinderella ride continue for one more week? The Trojans have been the feel-good story of the playoffs, upsetting No. 2 seeded Aquinas in the first round and toppling Mountain Valley League champ Rubidoux last week. But their defense will be tested by a potent Sierra Canyon passing attack that allows the Trailblazers to score 40.6 points per game. I picked the Trojans last week, but I feel the run ends here.
Sierra Canyon 28, Yucca Valley 12

Saturday is going to be a huge day, as four county teams will be playing, including two county-county games.

INLAND DIVISION
Corona Centennial at Chino Hills (Friday)
Rancho Cucamonga at Vista Murrieta (Saturday)

CENTRAL DIVISION
Rancho Verde at La Quinta (Friday)
Cajon at Colton (Saturday)

EASTERN DIVISION
Elsinore at Kaiser (Friday)
Summit at Serrano (Saturday)

EAST VALLEY DIVISION
St. Margaret's at Paraclete (Friday)
Sierra Canyon at Yucca Valley (Saturday)

Just got back in town from Thanksgiving and will get these done real quick before heading out to Ramona High School for Cajon-Arlington.

Inland Division

Corona Centennial at Upland
In the battle between defending CIF champions last week, Upland took down Chaparral to help the Baseline League to a 3-0 mark. While that victory was impressive, Centennial is a different, more potent beast. Upland will score some, but not nearly enough to keep up.
Centennial 52, Upland 21

Chino Hills at Etiwanda
Can the Eagles pull off another upset? The Etiwanda defense stepped up huge in the win at Redlands East Valley, but Chino Hills just put up 10 touchdowns on Corona. The Huskies are humming on that side of the ball and should win a shootout.
Chino Hills 45, Etiwanda 35

Rancho Cucamonga at Roosevelt
The Cougars are playoff-savvy and looked good against Murrieta Valley, while Roosevelt had to scratch and claw against Claremont. Look for Rancho to keep the Baseline contingent alive.
Rancho Cucamonga 34, Roosevelt 28

Vista Murrieta 41, Norco 27

Central Division

Rancho Verde at San Gorgonio
Rancho Verde is the top seed in the bracket, but they had to scratch and claw to get past the Spartans in week one. And that's before San G caught fire with its current seven-game win streak. I still like Rancho Verde though.
Rancho Verde 29, San Gorgonio 21

La Quinta at Chino
This is easily the toughest test that 11-0 Chino has had to face this year, as La Quinta is perennially among the top teams in whatever division it is playing in. Chino has been quite the story, but I'm not sure it's fully prepared for this.
La Quinta 28, Chino 22

Cajon at Arlington
The second-hottest team in the county goes against a red-hot player, as the Cowboys' 8-game winning streak will be tested by Arlington and their star RB Superiorr Reid, who has 32 touchdowns. Cajon is good but I like Arlington's smashmouth style.
Arlington 35, Cajon 24

Palm Springs at Colton
While both of these teams put up ridiculous point totals last week, I think we'll see some defense in this one. Both of these teams are stout on that side of the ball, though I feel Palm Springs has a bit more oomph.
Palm Springs 20, Colton 14

Eastern Division

Kaiser at Granite Hills
The Cats have apparently declared war on the city of Apple Valley, as they took out Apple Valley High last week. Granite Hills is scrappy, but they don't have the firepower to challenge Kaiser.
Kaiser 36, Granite Hills 6

Victor Valley at Elsinore
The Jackrabbits resurgence continued last week with another last-minute win, this time against Norte Vista. But Elsinore on the road is a tough task and I'm not sure if the Jackrabbits will be able to wave their magic wand again.
Elsinore 28, Victor Valley 24

Heritage at Summit
Heritage has been impressive this year, running off 11 wins to grab the No. 3 seed. But player for player, Summit might be the most talented team. I like the SkyHawks to come through with a mild upset.
Summit 30, Heritage 27

Serrano at Ridgecrest Burroughs
Going up to Ridgecrest is a tough task for anyone. But if there's any team that can handle it, its' the Diamondbacks. The Serrano D is playing at a high level, which should be the difference.
Serrano 17, Burroughs 9

East Valley Division

Paraclete 42, Grace Brethren 24

St. Margaret's at Big Bear
This has already been played, with St. Margaret's prevailing 17-6.

Twentynine Palms at Sierra Canyon
The Wildcats were impressive in rolling over Sage Hill, but going out to the San Fernando Valley from the High Desert is a lot to ask. Sierra Canyon will pull away late in this one.
Sierra Canyon 34, Twentynine Palms 16

Rubidoux at Yucca Valley
The Trojans pulled off the shocker of the playoffs, heading to San Bernardino and shocking No. 2 Aquinas. Now they face a Rubidoux team that they tied in September. I think Cinderella has another dance after this one.
Yucca Valley 20, Rubidoux 18

Now we move on to the Central Division, where San Bernardino and Ontario/Chino teams await.

No. 1 Rancho Verde 48, Garey 12

Palm Desert at San Gorgonio
This should be an entertaining one, as the Spartans rose up during the San Andreas League season to win six games in a row and grab second place and this home game against a potent Aztecs team. San G's offense was helped by the emergence of RB Jamie Snowten in the second half of the season and I expect Snowten to score a couple in a barnburner.
San Gorgonio 35, Palm Desert 31

Carter at Chino
Predicting Chino results, for the most part, was pretty easy during the Mt. Baldy League season - pick a random number between 42 and 49 and watch my prediction to come within 3-5 points. Can't really do that this week, as Carter's defense held Arroyo Valley to 3 yards last week. That's right, 3. Chino will obviously get more, but this won't be a rout by any means.
Chino 23, Carter 14

La Quinta 28, Valley View 6

Montclair at No. 3 Arlington
Making the playoffs is an achievement in itself for the Cavaliers, who deserve a ton of credit for grabbing third place in the Mt. Baldy League and winning five games. However, the Cavs are in for a world of hurt against Arlington's physical rushing attack. Running back Superiorr Reed has 27 touchdowns and 1,634 yards rushing for the Lions, figures that are sure to grow tomorrow.
Arlington 41, Montclair 13

Coachella Valley at Cajon
The only reason that San G isn't the hottest team in the county right now is due to the presence of Cajon, which has won seven in a row since a shutout loss to Kaiser in September. Dual-threat QB Thomas Carter and DB/WR Demontae Kazee are playing at high levels right now and will be too much for the Arabs, who earned the at-large berth out of the Desert Valley League.
Cajon 27, Coachella Valley 12

Colton at Colony
These two teams have tapdanced around each other in the playoffs in recent years, never meeting up despite being among the Central Divisions elite. So for that alone, this game is worth watching. Can a banged-up Colton hold tough against a Colony team that flew under the radar a bit with a 7-3 finish? I think the Yellowjackets are a bit more physical and battle-tested.
Colton 17, Colony 14

No. 2 Palm Springs 35, La Sierra 6

Got a text message from Cajon athletic director Rich Imbriani indicating that senior volleyball player Mackenzie Roddy will be signing a National Letter of Intent to Northern Illinois University at 11 a.m. Wednesday in his office.

Know of any other players signing this week? Drop me a note at tj.berka@inlandnewspapers.com.

Now to a much simpler league than a Citrus Belt, as the SAL is basically figured out save for the fourth playoff spot.

1. Cajon (7-2, 6-0): Has clinched a playoff berth and the No. 1 spot out of the league no matter what it does against San Bernardino Friday thanks to owning the head-to-head tiebreaker with San Gorgonio.

2. San Gorgonio (5-4, 5-1): Has clinched a playoff berth and the No. 2 spot out of the league no matter what it does against Pacific Friday thanks to owning the head-to-head tiebreaker with Colton.

3. Colton (6-3, 4-2): Has clinched a playoff berth and the No. 3 spot out of the league no matter what it does against Rialto Friday thanks to owning the head-to-head tiebreakers with Carter and Arroyo Valley.

4. Carter (5-3-1, 3-3): Clinches the No. 4 playoff spot with a victory over Arroyo Valley Friday. Still could get in as the at-large with a loss.

5. Arroyo Valley (4-5, 3-3): Clinches the No. 4 playoff spot with a victory over Carter Friday. Probably wouldn't have much of an at-large shot with a loss and the resulting 4-6 record.

6. Rialto (5-4, 2-4): The Knights have no shot a one of the four playoff spots, but a win over Colton Friday and a Carter win over Arroyo Valley might get Rialto in the conversation for an at-large berth.

7. San Bernardino (3-6, 1-5): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

8. Pacific (0-9, 0-6): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

Redlands falls after being upset, also creating a potential Citrus Belt League playoff logjam in the process. Upland also returns after a one-week hiatus.

Sun Top 10

1. Kaiser (9-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. No. 10 Summit, 19-7. Up next: Thursday at Bloomington (4-5).

2. Chino Hills (7-2)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Covina Charter Oak, 29-22. Up next: Thursday vs. Ayala (4-5).

3. Redlands East Valley (7-2)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: def. Yucaipa, 22-0. Up next: Thursday at Miller (5-4).

4. Rancho Cucamonga (8-1)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Etiwanda, 34-21. Up next: Thursday at Glendora (5-4).

5. Serrano (8-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Oak Hills, 31-9. Up next: Friday vs. Hesperia (1-8).

6. Chino (9-0)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: def. Ontario, 47-13. Up next: Friday vs. Don Lugo (3-6).

7. Cajon (7-2)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Carter, 21-13. Up next: Friday vs. San Bernardino (3-6).

8. Upland (6-3)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Glendora, 41-14. Up next: Friday at Los Osos (5-4).

9. Redlands (6-2-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: lost to Miller, 10-7. Up next: Thursday at Fontana (0-9).

10. Summit (6-2-1)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: lost to No. 1 Kaiser, 19-7. Up next: Friday at Riverside Norte Vista (5-4).

Just missed the cut: San Gorgonio (5-4), Colton (6-3), Aquinas (8-1).

Dropped out: No. 9 Colton (6-3).

Big one in Fontana tomorrow heads off this slate. A little better performance last week, only missing two of the featured games, so we'll see if we can't tighten that up a bit more.

Summit at Kaiser
As I was evaluating this game, I suddenly wondered about what would happen if Kaiser had to play in a close game. The Cats have been drilling people - which is why they are No. 1 in the Sun, Daily Bulletin and Eastern Division polls - typically playing a half of football. Odds are that Summit, with Devon Blackmon and Montigo Alford, will test Kaiser like it hasn't been tested before. But I think the Cats will pass that test and continue their special season.
Kaiser 30, Summit 18

Rancho Cucamonga at Etiwanda
The Cougars came up with a big win last week, defeating Upland, but they can't afford to relax against a tricky Etiwanda squad. With QB Larry Cutbirth and RB Marcus Mason, the Eagles could have the most versatile and explosive offense in the county. But their defense gives up points almost as quickly as their offense scores them. Rancho will be tested tonight, but will make enough big plays to win another shootout.
Rancho Cucamonga 42, Etiwanda 34

Miller at Redlands
Last week's unexpected loss to Yucaipa puts Miller in desperation mode coming into this game, as they need to win at least one of the next two against the Redlands schools to have a shot at the playoffs. That's easier said than done though. Theoretically this looks to be the easiest of the two, but it's not that easy. Redlands has bounced back nicely from the REV heartbreaker and will continue to do so.
Redlands 27, Miller 13

Colton at San Gorgonio
Since both of these teams have already lost to Cajon, this matchup between 4-1 SAL teams is more for second place barring any slipups by the first-place Cowboys. San G has caught fire in league play, winning four in a row to jump into the playoff conversation. Colton has been up and down offensively, but their defense should have enough oomph to come through in this one.
Colton 21, San Gorgonio 14

Chino Hills at Charter Oak
The last time the Huskies went on the road against a Sierra newcomer, they fell in a classic to Claremont. Charter Oak has the talent and the coaching to give the Huskies problems, but the Chino Hills offense has caught fire after a tough start to the season. Expect Chino Hills to overpower Charter Oak just enough offensively for its defense to bring it home late.
Chino Hills 28, Charter Oak 14

Ridgecrest Burroughs at Silverado
This matchup between the Desert Sky League favorites was complicated a bit by Silverado's surprising loss to Granite Hills a couple weeks ago, as the Hawks are not only playing to get another DSL title, but to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Burroughs is in a bit easier position with a loss, but I don't think they'll have to sweat it out at all. The Burros will win and give Silverado some sleepless nights going into the finale.
Burroughs 27, Silverado 14

Twentynine Palms at Yucca Valley
The premier game in the Morongo Valley has some major implications, as Yucca's upset victory over Desert Hot Springs last week has them in position to get a league title with a win over three-time defending champion Twentynine Palms. A win assures the Wildcats at least a share of the De Anza title and sets up another showdown next week with Big Bear. I think this game will be low-scoring and nasty, with 29 winning again.
Twentynine Palms 19, Yucca Valley 13

Yucaipa at Redlands East Valley
The Thunderbirds have been a nice story in the CBL, taking to new coach Justin Price wonderfully in a 5-3 start that saw a big victory at Miller last week. Pulling off another road win against REV would really put the rest of the league, and the county, on its ear. This isn't the most explosive REV team, but its a solid group that should be able to repel the T-Birds, especially with QB Dylan Malone shaken up a bit.

Carter at Cajon
This isn't a game for the first-place Cowboys to sleep on, as Carter is a couple of plays away from being undefeated as well. Can Carter, which lost to Colton in overtime and San G by two points, get a signature victory? They can, but I don't think they will. Cajon is being Cajon, struggling early but finding its stride in league play. Think the Cowboys have a bit too much.
Cajon 24, Carter 17

Riverside Notre Dame at Rim of the World
With first-place Rubidoux having already dispatched these two teams, this matchup is for second place in the Mountain Valley League. Considering that only two teams per league get guaranteed playoff berths, that makes this game big. It's been a tough year for the Fighting Scots, though the reinsertion of Dillon Pretzinger in the offense has helped considerably. I'll take the home team in a coin-flip game.
Rim of the World 26, Notre Dame 23

Other games of note:
Aquinas 48, Arrowhead Christian 0
Ontario Christian 35, Calvary Murrieta 0
Linfield Christian 30, Western Christian 14
Los Osos 45, Alta Loma 7
Upland 34, Glendora 17
Fontana 20, Eisenhower 10
Big Bear 42, Desert Mirage 6
Victor Valley 15, Granite Hills 13
Serrano 28, Barstow 0
Oak Hills 34, Hesperia 6
Apple Valley 35, Sultana 17
Rubidoux 38, Citrus Valley 7
Banning 45, Jurupa Hills 13
Chino 48, Ontario 10
Colony 30, Montclair 10
Garey 38, Chaffey 19
Arroyo Valley 41, San Bernardino 16
Rialto 40, Pacific 9
Riverside Christian 24, Bloomington Christian 12
Damien 23, Ayala 17
Bloomington 33, Jurupa Valley 13

Last week: 25-7
Overall: 200-73-3

A little bit of reshuffling at the bottom, as Summit wins its way back into the rankings.

Sun Top 10

1. Kaiser (8-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. Riverside Norte Vista, 44-8. Up next: Friday vs. No. 10 Summit (6-1-1).

2. Chino Hills (6-2)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. South Hills, 51-14. Up next: Friday at Covina Charter Oak (5-6).

3. Redlands East Valley (6-2)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: def. Fontana, 56-0. Up next: Friday vs. Yucaipa (5-3).

4. Redlands (6-1-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: def. Eisenhower, 35-7. Up next: Friday vs. Miller (4-4).

5. Rancho Cucamonga (7-1)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Upland, 35-31. Up next: Thursday at Etiwanda (4-4).

6. Serrano (7-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Oak Hills, 31-9. Up next: Friday at Barstow (1-7).

7. Chino (8-0)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Montclair, 37-0. Up next: Friday at Ontario (4-4).

8. Cajon (6-2)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Arroyo Valley, 30-14. Up next: Friday vs. Carter (5-2-1).

9. Colton (6-2)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. Pacific, 73-12. Up next: Friday at San Gorgonio (4-4).

10. Summit (6-1-1)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Jurupa Valley, 63-0. Up next: Friday at No. 1 Kaiser (8-0).

Just missed the cut: Upland (5-3), Yucaipa (5-3), Aquinas (7-1).

Dropped out: No. 7 Upland (5-3).

I regressed to nonleague form this past week, missing five of the 10 feature games and nine games overall. I'm not proud of what I've done and how I've acted. Let's move on amicably.

Upland at Rancho Cucamonga
This game is kind of a big deal. People know these teams, as they are the last two Central Division champions and are undefeated in league coming in. This matchup has gone Rancho's way in recent history, as the Cougars have won three in a row over Upland, including that CIF championship victory in 2008. I think the Cougars are a bit more complete of a unit right now. In a month, Upland might be better, but I'll take Rancho now and feel decent about it.
Rancho Cucamonga 31, Upland 27

Serrano at Oak Hills
This is the game in the Mojave River League, with Serrano being the big kid on the block and Oak Hills being the unafraid new kid. The Bulldogs threw it in my face last week, not only proving me wrong for picking Victor Valley, but ripping the Jackrabbits a new one. I'll be at this game tomorrow - my inaugural Oak Hills football game - and I'm looking forward to seeing what the Bulldogs have, though I don't think it'll be enough.
Serrano 28, Oak Hills 17

Kaiser at Norte Vista
Another week, another Kaiser shut out, its fifth of the season. The Cats pretty much suck all the anticipation out of games by just beating the living heck out of every team they play. Norte Vista, with its 2-0 league record and physical running game featuring junior running back Ryan Ruiz, won't be intimidated by the Cats. But intimidated or not, Kaiser is on a roll right now and doesn't look to be stopped this week.
Kaiser 38, Norte Vista 6

Yucaipa at Miller
This is expected to decide the third playoff spot out of the Citrus Belt League eventually, though Miller is tied with REV with a 2-0 league mark. Both of these teams have extremely dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks, with Yucaipa's Dylan Malone and Miller's Eric Shufford making this a potentially entertaining game. The Rebels are a bit more battle-tested and a year further along in their system, factors which will come to play in what should be a good battle.
Miller 31, Yucaipa 20

Cajon at Arroyo Valley
The Cowboys come into this matchup with their swag on 10, as they went into Colton and won a huge game to take control of the San Andreas League race. But Cajon would be advised not to take this game lightly. Arroyo Valley's offense has scuffled against most defenses with a pulse but their defense will keep this game relatively uncomfortable. I see the Cowboys winning, but not without an early scare.
Cajon 20, Arroyo Valley 14

Linfield Christian at Aquinas
The newbies from Linfield Christian have made a name for themselves in the Ambassador League, knocking off Ontario Christian last week to set up this showdown with Aquinas. Since losing to Desert Hot Springs in the opener, the Falcons have rolled off six wins in a row, ascending to No. 3 in the East Valley polls. Linfield is a quality opponent, but Aquinas has things on lock this year.
Aquinas 28, Linfield Christian 12

Granite Hills at Ridgecrest Burroughs
The Cougars threw a monkey wrench into the Desert Sky League race last week, pulling off the 8-6 upset over Silverado to move to 2-0 in league. For a school that hasn't had much success to speak of, this is pretty heady position going into the matchup with the league favorites. So can Granite pull this off two weeks in a row? It's defense has been awesome, but defending the Burros and third-year starting QB Derrick Dison might be a bit more difficult.
Burroughs 21, Granite Hills 12

Silverado at Apple Valley
The High Desert gets a high amount of love this week, as the aforementioned Hawks come into this nonleague matchup pretty ticked off. Not only because of the loss to Granite Hills, but the matchup with the Sun Devils, who whipped them in the playoffs last year. Both these teams should ultimately be in the playoffs, making this a possible preview. I think Silverado is going to be a little more annoyed and pull this out.
Silverado 24, Apple Valley 21

Chino at Montclair
I'm officially on the Chino bandwagon. I've wondered all year if the Cowboys were a mirage caused by a weak schedule, but Chino's whipping of Colony definitely convinced me otherwise. Plus I like the prospect of a player named Promise Amadi being in headlines in our paper. Opens up a ton of possiblities. Montclair has been surprising in going 4-3, but the Cavaliers don't have the horses to stay in this game.
Chino 45, Montclair 10

Los Osos at Etiwanda
Start with the Baseline, end with the Baseline. The loser of this game finds themselves in a pretty untenable position in a brutal league, as they'd be 1-2 and have to play one of the top two before the season ends. So yeah, this game is kind of big. Etiwanda might have the most potent offense in the county, but its defense gives up points almost as fast as its offense scores them. Los Osos will make enough stops to win this donnybrook.
Los Osos 36, Etiwanda 34

Other games of note:
Summit 56, Jurupa Valley 0
Ontario Christian 27, Western Christian 16
Glendora 38, Alta Loma 7
Redlands 45, Eisenhower 0
Redlands East Valley 49, Fontana 6
Big Bear 43, Shadow Hills 7
Twentynine Palms 38, Desert Mirage 0
Desert Hot Springs 30, Yucca Valley 15
Victor Valley 28, Barstow 6
Hesperia 17, Sultana 13
Citrus Valley 28, Jurupa Hills 9
Rim of the World 27, Banning 20
Don Lugo 23, Chaffey 18
Ontario 30, Garey 21
Colton 60, Pacific 0
Carter 35, San Bernardino 10
San Gorgonio 20, Rialto 9
Claremont 42, Ayala 14
Chino Hills 31, South Hills 6
Bloomington 20, Patriot 10
Arrowhead Christian 18, Calvary Murrieta 7
Bloomington Christian 26, Saddleback Valley Christian 14

Last week: 21-9
Overall: 175-66-3

Some reshuffling here as Cajon surges back in the poll for the first time since Week 0.

Sun Top 10

1. Kaiser (7-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. Riverside Patriot, 49-0. Up next: Friday at Riverside Norte Vista (4-3).

2. Chino Hills (5-2)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Damien, 42-7. Up next: Friday vs. West Covina South Hills (2-5).

3. Redlands East Valley (5-2)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: def. Eisenhower, 48-12. Up next: Friday at Fontana (0-7).

4. Redlands (5-1-1)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Yucaipa, 23-13. Up next: Friday vs. Eisenhower (0-7).

5. Rancho Cucamonga (6-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Alta Loma, 43-0. Up next: Friday vs. No. 7 Upland (5-2).

6. Serrano (6-1)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: def. Sultana, 56-7. Up next: Friday at Oak Hills (5-2).

7. Upland (5-2)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Etiwanda, 53-34. Up next: Friday at No. 5 Rancho Cucamonga (6-1).

8. Chino (7-0)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Colony, 49-20. Up next: Friday at Montclair (4-3).

9. Cajon (5-2)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. No. 10 Colton, 29-20. Up next: Friday at Arroyo Valley (3-4).

10. Colton (5-2)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: lost to No. 9 Cajon, 29-20. Up next: Friday vs. Pacific (0-7).

Just missed the cut: Summit (5-1-1), Los Osos (4-3), Miller (4-3).

Dropped out: No. 10 Silverado (3-2-1).

Starting to get into a groove now, as I had my best week of the season to date.

Cajon at Colton
This has become the de facto championship game in the San Andreas League and for good reason, as the teams have split the last five league titles and have won seven total since 2000. Needless to say, they are at it again, as both are undefeated in league. It's been a weird season for both, as Colton has become almost pass-happy while Cajon has shown off the double-wing. I think this one will be relatively low scoring, with the home team prevailing.
Colton 20, Cajon 10

Redlands at Yucaipa
The Terriers have the unenviable task of having to recover from a devastating Smudge Pot rivalry loss to Redlands East Valley last week. The schedulemaker didn't do Redlands any favors, as they'll have to play a sneaky-good Yucaipa team with an elite playmaker in quarterback Dylan Malone. The Terriers might be ripe for an upset, but I think they'll pull this one out late.
Redlands 23, Yucaipa 19

Colony at Chino
How real is Chino? That's the million-dollar question heading into this one. The Cowboys have gone from a feeble 0-10 team to a 6-0 juggernaut that is straight pile-driving opponents. However, Chino's opponents haven't exactly been SEC caliber to date. Colony's five-game winning streak has flown under the radar a bit, but the defending champs have a chance to make a splash. And I think they will.
Colony 28, Chino 23

Etiwanda at Upland
If they had odds on this game in Vegas (or on bodog.com) I would take the over because this thing is going to be a track meet. The Eagles have an explosive offense led by the leading passer in the county in Larry Cutbirth, who averages 275 yards per game through the air. Problem is that Etiwanda doesn't really stop anyone on defense. That will prove fatal against the Highlanders, which has a balanced offense and a little more defense.
Upland 44, Etiwanda 36

Oak Hills at Victor Valley
Kind of a slow week in the High Desert, as all the league games pit the haves against the have-nots, but this nonleague tilt has some teeth. Oak Hills has won a lot in its first year-and-a-half, piling up 13 wins, but still doesn't have that signature win over a large-school program. Victor Valley started out firing at 5-0 but lost to Silverado last week and wants to avoid a second-half slide. I think Victor will stem the slide and Oak Hills will still be searching.
Victor Valley 34, Oak Hills 26

Damien at Chino Hills
This game is usually a doozy and should be again this year, as the Huskies come in needing a win pretty badly after falling in a tough league-opener to Claremont this week. Damien came into this year having to overcome some massive personnel losses due to graduation but has equipped itself well, matching Chino Hills' 4-2 record. No one backs Bub into a corner though, as I feel the Huskies will come out swinging.
Chino Hills 23, Damien 9

Kaiser at Patriot
The question this week isn't whether or not Kaiser - the No. 1 team in the Sun, the Daily Bulletin, the Eastern Division and city of Fontana polls - will be Patriot tomorrow. It will. The question, er questions, are how bad and will there be a fifth shutout. I'm answering very bad on the first one and yes on the second. Patriot didn't muster a point against Summit last week - no way its scoring on Kaiser unless the Cats get bored.
Kaiser 48, Patriot 0

Twentynine Palms at Desert Hot Springs
The Wildcats have ruled the De Anza League the last three years, taking the league title each and every year. But DSH has been on an uber roll this season, taking out Aquinas and Rim of the World in the nonleague and grabbing a big win at Big Bear this past weekend. Twentynine Palms is playing pretty well, but the Golden Eagles seem to have some mojo going. That's good enough for me.
Desert Hot Springs 28, Twentynine Palms 18

Rubidoux at Rim of the World
Last week saw the return of Rim of the World running back Dillon Pretzinger from a foot injury. Not coincidentally, it also saw the Fighting Scots look more like the juggernaut that I expected them to be before the season. The table is set for Rim to win the inaugural Mountain Valley League title and while Rubidoux is much improved, I see Rim rolling here.
Rim of the World 28, Rubidoux 13

Glendora at Los Osos
With all respect to the Dallas-Minnesota game this past Sunday I feel that this game is the true "Desperation Bowl". Both of these teams, which came into the season with high expectations, are 0-1 in a three-playoff-berth league and an 0-2 mark would be a sure death sentence in a brutal Baseline in a division with zero at-large berths. So who gets to play the role of a despondent Tony Romo? Unless it goes into overtime, I think Glendora will.
Los Osos 35, Glendora 27

Other games of note:
Rancho Cucamonga 56, Alta Loma 6
Aquinas 40, Calvary Murrieta 0
Linfield Christian 21, Ontario Christian 17
Western Christian 24, Arrowhead Christian 16
Redlands East Valley 61, Eisenhower 12
Miller 38, Fontana 6
Big Bear 27, Yucca Valley 25
Ridgecrest Burroughs 34, Barstow 0
Silverado 26, Granite Hills 10
Apple Valley 38, Hesperia 14
Serrano 38, Sultana 7
Banning 28, Citrus Valley 23
Riverside Notre Dame 50, Jurupa Hills 6
Garey 31, Don Lugo 12
Ontario 27, Montclair 16
Arroyo Valley 45, Pacific 0
Carter 21, Rialto 18
San Gorgonio 36, San Bernardino 13
Banning Twin Pines 26, Bloomington Christian 20
Summit 39, Bloomington 10

Last week: 26-5
Overall: 154-57-3

The home stretch to the cross country season is approaching rapidly, with the CIF-SS prelims scheduled for November 13 and the CIF-SS and CIF-State finals scheduled for the following two weekends after that.

This weekend will be a big one in preparation for those important meets, as the Mt. SAC and Cajon Dog Days of Fall meets will be held.

The Mt. SAC race, taking place Friday and Saturday at the college, one of the premier meets in the Inland Empire and will feature an array of upper-level county teams. Granite Hills and Yucca Valley will run Friday while Apple Valley, Colony, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands and Sultana will participate Saturday. With both the CIF-SS prelims and finals to be held at Mt. SAC, this weekend's meet allows runners to get a test run on the course.

Saturday will also mark the debut of the Dogs Days of Fall event at Cajon, which will feature the Cowboys along with various other county teams. While it doesn't have the fan fare of Mt. SAC, it should be an intriguing race as well.

Cajon girls volleyball player Mackenzie Roddy has made a verbal commitment to Northern Illinois University according to a call received tonight from Cowboys coach Paula Bougie-Thomas. Roddy chose the Huskies over Cal State San Bernardino.

Did virtually the same this past week as I did the week before. I blame the Mt. Baldy League. I think i'm 2 for 20 on Mt. Baldy predictions.

Redlands East Valley at Orange Lutheran
It's always fun to see county powers go against the elite from other parts of the Southland. REV pulled a fast one on O-Lu last year, scoring two touchdowns in the final minute to pull the shocker. I'm not sure how many players on either team remember it, as both teams have a ton of new starters. It should be a great game though. I expect REV to pull another one out.
Redlands East Valley 17, Orange Lutheran 13

Norco at Upland
Another meeting of the powers, as the No. 3 team in the Inland Division hosts the No. 4 one. It should be an outstanding matchup, as Norco has taken to its new-found spread offense like a duck to water, scoring 74 points in two games, while Upland's new-look defense seems to get better every week. There should be some scoring in this game, as Norco's D will give up points. I think Upland is a bit more experience.
Upland 28, Norco 27

Cajon at Kaiser
Kaiser has been flying under the radar thus far this year, but it won't for year much longer, as the Cats have been straight filthy on defense thus far, giving up six points in two games. Cajon has been uneven, getting worked by Claremont before destroying Eisenhower, but had its bye week last week to work out some kinks. I expect the Cowboys to be competitive, but I'm really liking Kaiser right now.
Kaiser 24, Cajon 9

Victor Valley at Apple Valley
The Bell Game is one of the most hotly-contested games in the High Desert and, recently, one of the most thrilling. The last two meetings between the Jackrabbits and Sun Devils have been decided by a combined four points, with Victor Valley winning by 3 last year and Apple Valley pulling out a one-point win in 2008. I'm heading up there and I'm expecting much of the same, with the host Sun Devils pulling it out late.
Apple Valley 26, Victor Valley 24

Miller at Etiwanda
These teams are a combined 1-5, so why am I featuring this game? Because these teams are a lot better than their record gives them credit for. Etiwanda's three-game stretch of Summit, Vista Murrieta and Norco may be the toughest in the Southland, while Miller hasn't exactly had a picnic with Upland and Carson. Having seen both of these teams in person, it's a coin flip, but I think Miller's D is a little bit better. But not much.
Miller 33, Etiwanda 29

Charter Oak at Rancho Cucamonga
This has been a hard-fought game the last two years and I don't see why it would be any different this year. Charter Oak has equipped itself admirably in the Inland Division thus far, going 2-1, while Rancho Cucamonga is perfect despite having to spend its first three games on the road. It is the first "home" game for Rancho - who doesn't play on campus - and I expect it'll show up well.
Rancho Cucamonga 27, Charter Oak 17

Bloomington at Colton
Although they reside in the same school district, these two teams don't play very often. This could be a surprisingly good game, as Bloomington has looked pretty good in going 2-0 while Colton sputtered quite a bit last week in a 14-3 loss to La Quinta. But I think Colton will be just fine in the home opener, overpowering the Bruins in the second half.
Colton 30, Bloomington 14

San Gorgonio at Yucaipa
This should be a pretty solid game, as both of these teams are in a bit of purgatory. The Spartans are 0-2, but they've had to play Rancho Verde and REV, so its hard to really have a true handle on them. Yucaipa stomped Canyon Springs, only to be stomped by Rancho Verde. I hate using the transitive scores property, but San G was a lot more competitive against Rancho Verde than Yucaipa was. I'll go with that.
San Gorgonio 31, Yucaipa 26

Redlands at Carlsbad La Costa Canyon
The Terriers played arguably the game of the year last week against Los Osos, gutting through a triple-overtime victory against the Grizzlies despite losing their quarterback Jojo Hernandez. I would imagine that Redlands is going to rest Hernandez for this one, which will be a tough one, as La Costa Canyon can ball. I'll go with the home team.
La Costa Canyon 23, Redlands 10

Granite Hills at Rialto
It might be time to start getting on the Knights' bandwagon. Rialto has won three in a row dating pack to last year, including an impressive 28-14 victory at a tough Oak Hills team last week. Granite Hills has been up and down this season and should be an opponent that Rialto can use to build momentum. Look for four in a row from the No. 5 team in the Central Division polls.
Rialto 26, Granite Hills 12

Other games of note:
Diamond Ranch 33, Chaffey 10
Aquinas 35, Shadow Hills 13
Arroyo Valley 28, Eisenhower 7
Ayala 31, Los Altos 20
Twentynine Palms 19, Banning 14
Quartz Hill 27, Barstow 12
Big Bear 37, Western Christian 20
Rim of the World 18, Bishop 14
Bloomington Christian 23, Arrowhead Christian 9
Yucca Valley 24, Calexico 16
Chino 30, Covina Northview 14
Murrieta Mesa 28, Citrus Valley 24
City of Industry Workman 23, Montclair 17
Colony 33, Alta Loma 14
Desert Hot Springs 45, Jurupa Hills 6
Don Lugo 24, Oak Park 14
Fontana 28, San Bernardino 21
Palm Desert 49, Hesperia 13
Ontario Christian 27, Jurupa Valley 22
Oak Hills 29, Lancaster 13
Vista Murrieta 38, Los Osos 16
Carter 27, Norte Vista 23
Chino Hills 31, Pomona 15
Serrano 34, Palmdale Highland 7
Sultana 27, Pacific 20
Silverado 21, Valencia West Ranch 18

Last week: 24-9-1
Overall: 60-28-3

The 44th annual Riverside Poly Boys Water Polo tournament starts today and runs through Saturday at seven different venues -- Arroyo Valley, Corona Santiago, Corona Roosevelt, Jurupa Valley, Riverside Arlington and Riverside King High Schools as well as Sippy Woodhead Pool at Riverside Poly. The tournament, which features 60 teams throughout Southern California, will be played through Saturday, with pool play Thursday and Friday and the championship match to be held at 2 p.m. at Sippy Woodhead Pool.

County teams participating in the tournament and theare Los Osos (Woodhead), Redlands and Upland (Roosevelt), Yucaipa and Arroyo Valley (Arroyo Valley), Cajon, Alta Loma and San Gorgonio (Arlington) and Pacific, Rancho Cucamonga, Summit, Colony and Citrus Valley (Jurupa Valley).

A new wrinkle we added this year, the preseason all-area team wasn't very easy to put together. But I'm sure these guys will make me look somewhat smart.

OFFENSE
QB - Thomas Carter, Sr., Cajon
RB - Dillon Pretzinger, Sr., Rim of the World
RB - Jeremiah Armstead, Sr., Oak Hills
RB - Tyler Ervin, Sr., Colton
WR - Paul Pitts, Sr., Los Osos
WR - Angel Rivera, Sr., Arroyo Valley
TE - Rodney Hardrick, Sr., Colton
OL - Jamal Prater, Sr., Etiwanda
OL - Jordan Smith, Sr., Redlands
OL - Hector Sotelo, Sr., Serrano
OL - Gary Dixon, Sr., Summit
OL - Jesus Cortez, Sr., Chaffey
Util - Devon Blackmon, Sr., Summit
K - Cody Madsen, Sr., Redlands East Valley

DEFENSE
DL - Ethan Hillyer, Sr., Serrano
DL - John Siliga, Sr., Redlands
DL - Devon Lewis, Sr., Redlands East Valley
DL - Kyle Jerkins, Sr., Apple Valley
LB - Devan Hussey, Sr., Colton
LB - Dennis Taylor, Sr., Kaiser
LB - Jamal Wilson, Sr., Miller
LB - Jimmy Musgrave, Sr., Silverado
DB - Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Sr., Chino Hills
DB - Josh Armstrong, Sr., Redlands East Valley
DB - Desman Carter, Sr., Kaiser
DB - Demontae Kazee, Jr., Cajon
Util - Sateki Finau, Sr., Rancho Cucamonga
P - Jake Van Ginkel, Sr., Upland

Still got a couple more teams to get to in previews, but luckily they don't play this week. There are several teams that do play, however, and several intriguing games, including a doozy tonight.

Etiwanda at Summit
This is where I'll be in T minus-3 hours, as the Baseline co-champion Eagles play a Summit team that might have more explosion than any team in the area. I'm interested in two things a) how creative Summit is in using Devon Blackmon and b) how the Etiwanda offense will look after losing Angel Santiago and Bobby Ratliff, among others. I think Summit will have a bit too much firepower.
Summit 27, Etiwanda 17

Rancho Cucamonga at Silverado
I was originally slated to be at this game tomorrow, but changes out of my control prevent that. And that's really too bad, because I was looking forward to seeing the Cougars in the High Desert. Silverado doesn't dodge anyone in the nonleague schedule, but injury issues to its offensive line will make it tough for its skill players to dodge the Rancho defenders.
Rancho Cucamonga 31, Silverado 16

Upland at Miller
The Baseline League is all over Week 0 apparently. This game was highly anticipated when it was played at Upland last year and turned out to be prophetic, as a CIF-champion Highlander team choked out a highly-touted Miller team that eventually ended up underachieving. The Rebels will want to turn the tables, but I don't think they'll be able to.
Upland 24, Miller 10

Cajon at Claremont
Another intriguing Sun/Bulletin crossover game, as both teams feel they are ready for a considerable leap. For Cajon, the feeling is that the Cowboys will have a team comparable to its 2008 SAL champion and Central semifinalist. For the Wolfpack, the change to the Sierra League and a new opportunity is something they are stoked about. I'll go with the team that's more used to success in this one.
Cajon 26, Claremont 20

Temecula Greak Oak at Redlands
This is where I was switched to tomorrow and, despite my regret about not seeing Rancho-Silverado, I'm not going to complain. Great Oak handled the Terriers 24-7 in the season opener last year, something that I'll bet Redlands coach Jim Walker is reminding his team about. I think the Terriers will come out hungry and push Great Oak around a bit.
Redlands 19, Great Oak 13

Los Osos at Colony
The Bechtel Bowl should be a fun one, as former Los Osos offensive coordinator Matt Bechtel will be making his debut as the Colony coach against his old team. It will be interesting to see how the Titans handle Bechtel's system in game one and how much the Grizzlies can reload from last year. Los Osos has never lost a season opener and I'm not betting against that streak.
Los Osos 28, Colony 21

Apple Valley at Barstow
Both of these teams aren't really sure what kind of hand they have, as graduation losses have ravaged them. The Sun Devils won their first playoff game in over two decades last season, giving them some momentum, while Barstow is always a tough out, especially at home. In a game filled with uncertainty, I will go with the safe pick and take the home team.
Barstow 17, Apple Valley 12

Silver Valley at Citrus Valley
After a year of waiting, the Blackhawks will finally play their first game in their swanky new, on-campus stadium. A manageable league and a returning roster have expectations high at Citrus Valley. Playing a feckless Silver Valley team will only make them higher. The Blackhawks will get their first home victory in their first home game.
Citrus Valley 56, Silver Valley 6

Paraclete at Serrano
Paraclete gave Serrano an early wake-up call a year ago, throttling the Diamondbacks' young offensive line in a 13-3 victory. Well, that offensive line isn't so young anymore, as four starters return from a team that went to the Eastern Division championship game. Add in the homefield advantage of Snowline Stadium and Serrano's season starts out nicely.
Serrano 27, Paraclete 9

Ayala at Don Lugo
Two teams that I really don't have a handle on go head-to-head in this game. Ayala has suffered heavy personnel losses in the past two years, going from being a Central quarterfinalist to a team that might struggle in the Sierra League. The Conquistadores lost some top-line talent last year in George Uko and Steven Bethley. Once again, I will go with the home team here.
Don Lugo 21, Ayala 16

Other games of interest:
Montclair 27, Ganesha 12
Chaffey 42, Alta Loma 6
Aquinas 24, Desert Hot Springs 13
Chino Hills 30, Lakewood Mayfair 14
Granite Hills 31, Lancaster Eastside 21
El Monte Arroyo 30, Ontario 10
Twentynine Palms 38, Xavier Prep 6
Moreno Valley 20, Rialto 14
Ridgecrest Burroughs 41, Hesperia 13
Ontario Christian 23, Whittier Christian 21
Yucca Valley 26, Rubidoux 17
Pasadena Maranatha 23, Big Bear 17

Here is my attempt in the wonderfully inexact science of making a preseason poll. We'll see how it ends up.

1. UPLAND (12-2 last year)
The defending Central Division champions are at the top until they prove otherwise, as the Highlanders return QB Justin Nunes and a array of RBs from last season. Upland loses eight starters on their smothering defense, but Alta Loma transfer Christian Powell should help overcome that.

2. REDLANDS EAST VALLEY (11-1)
The Wildcats lose some headliners from last year's Citrus Belt League championship squad, but REV tends to reload in high numbers. All-CIF CB Josh Armstrong and DT Devon Lewis lead a stingy defense while the Wildcats have the size on the offensive line to help break in the new skill-position players.

3. CHINO HILLS (10-3)
The Huskies return 15 starters, led by all-everything senior DB/WR/RB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, from their Central Division semifinalist team of a year ago. The only real question will be at QB, where Chino Hills will have to replace the steady Ryan Verdugo, but there's plenty of talent around to help out the new guy.

4. COLTON (10-2)
A banner season for the Yellowjackets was disrupted early by Rancho Cucamonga in the Central quarterfinals last year. The Yellowjackets have plenty of talent, led by LBs Rodney Hardrick and Devan Hussey, to help new coach Rick Bray succeed at his new job. Colton is a prime contender for the Central crown.

5. SERRANO (11-3)
The Diamondbacks lose DE Everett Beed and RB Dionza Bradford from last year's Eastern Division runner-up, but return loads of experience from last year, including four of their five starters on the offensive line. How well Bradford's replacements fill his shoes will be key.

6. REDLANDS (9-3)
The Terriers are hungry to get back atop the Citrus Belt League and this club gives them a chance to do that. They return QB Jojo Hernandez and a bevy of wide receivers on offense and have studs on each line in OL Jordan Smith and DT John Siliga, which could be enough to get them past REV.

7. KAISER (9-4)
Like Serrano, the Cats lose their two Division I studs in LB Josh Shirley and RB/DB Anthony Brown but return almost everyone else from their run to the Eastern semifinals. Kaiser has athletes everywhere on defense, with safety Desman Carter and linebacker Dennis Taylor leading the way.

8. CAJON (7-4)
The last time the Cowboys were this loaded, they won the San Andreas League in 2008 and advanced to the Central Division semifinals. Senior QB Thomas Carter, a third-year starter, will be key if the Cowboys hope to repeat the 2008 performance, as will cornerback Demontae Kazee.

9. RANCHO CUCAMONGA (10-3)
A lot of the key cogs that have contributed to the Cougars' 23-3-1 record over the last two seasons have departed, namely TE Randall Telfer and QB Greg Watson. But Rancho Cucamonga seems to reload with talent, with do-everything senior Sateki Finau providing a key leadership role.

10. SUMMIT (6-6)
The SkyHawks showed a glimpse of their potential in the first round of the playoffs last year, shocking No. 1 seeded Citrus Hill. Summit would like to see that output on a more consistent basis and if they can get elite dual-threat quarterback Devon Blackmon loose, they will.

Just missed the cut: Arroyo Valley (7-4), Rim of the World (10-2), Chaffey (7-5).

As Cajon coach Kim Battin thinks about his team's potential entering this season, he has flashbacks to 2008. Two years ago, the Cowboys went 11-2 with an experienced, veteran team en route to a San Andreas League championship and a run into the Central Division quarterfinals. Battin isn't quite predicting that, but he is feeling good about Cajon's chances this year.

"The expecations are very high. We have a group of seniors that learned from the seniors that made the run two years ago and that were a big part of a team that went 7-3 and made the playoffs last year," Battin said. "There is a lot of experience and motivation here and we are ready to go out there and see what we can do."

A lot of Battin's confidence comes from a loaded offense led by senior quarterback Thomas Carter. Carter (6-0, 185) has started since early in his sophomore season, as he was the triggerman on the Cowboys' semifinal team two years ago. He brings a potent dual-threat element to the Cowboys' spread offense, allowing the Cowboys to throw in several different wrinkles.

County qualifiers and top alternates for Friday's CIF-Masters Track Meet at Cerritos College in Norwalk.

BOYS
100 meters: Davonte Stewart, Miller. Alternate: Justin Harris, Upland.
200: Josh Mance, Don Lugo; Davonte Stewart, Miller
400: Josh Mance, Don Lugo; Laijon White, Rancho Cucamonga
3,200: Daniel Rosales, Apple Valley; Dustin Fay, Rim of the World
110 hurdles: Devon Blackmon, Summit; Jered Bell, Colony. Alternate: Demi Adegoke, Los Osos
300 hurdles: Darron Usher, Eisenhower
High jump: Aaron Hale, Upland; De'Marrio Brooks, San Gorgonio; Larry Roberson, Granite Hills.
Triple jump: Justin Lovingood, Summit; Jaelen Spencer, Sultana. Alternate: Jonathan Chea, Cajon

GIRLS
100 meters: Brea Buchanan, Ayala; Omunique Thomas, Carter. Alternate: Treasurie Hatten, Victor Valley
200: Alternate: Omunique Thomas, Carter
400: Vanessa Jones, Etiwanda
3,200: Alternate: Melissa Telon, Rancho Cucamonga
100 hurdles: Brea Buchanan, Ayala; Shanice Stewart, Carter
300 hurdles: Ashley Cooke, Colony; Jordie Munford, Etiwanda; Haley Sanner, Cajon. Alternate: Ke'Nya Hardge, Miller
4x100 relay: Summit, Cajon, Los Osos
4x400 relay: Colony, Etiwanda
High jump: Ashley Henry, Rancho Cucamonga
Long jump: Shanice Stewart, Carter; Ashlie Curenton, Silverado
Triple jump: Mayra Carter, Alta Loma; Jenna Nordschow, Ayala
Pole vault: Nicole Larson, Upland
Shot put: Erin Randolph, Yucaipa

The list of qualifiers for next week's CIF-SS Division I meet at Cerritos College and their qualifying performances at Saturday's D1 prelim meet at Trabuco Hills.

BOYS
100 meters: 3. Davonte Stewart (Miller) 10.59, 5. Justin Harris (Upland) 10.67.
200: 1. Stewart (Miller) 20.84, 4. Harris (Upland) 21.51, 9. Mike Newton (Colton) 21.73
400: 1. Laijon White (Rancho Cucamonga) 48.32, 6. Jimi Alde-Chester (San Gorgonio) 48.85
3,200: 9. Luis Gutierrez (Rancho Cucamonga) 9:21.30.
110 hurdles: 3. Demi Adegoke (Los Osos) 14.62
300 hurdles: 8. Fred Rosser (Silverado) 39.27, 9. Trevor Stevens (Redlands) 39.40
4x100 relay: 6. Upland 42.79
4x400 relay: 5. Upland 3:22.19
High jump: T1. De'Marrio Brooks (San Gorgonio) 6-6, T1. Aaron Hale (Upland) 6-6
Long jump: 9. Brooks (San Gorgonio) 21-6.25
Shot put: 6. James Grigorian (Diamond Bar) 54-1; 8. Jordan Thomas (Redlands) 51-9.5; 9. Ryan Simms-Hunter (San Gorgonio) 51-3
Discus: 4. Grigorian (Diamond Bar) 160-0

GIRLS
100: 8. Breja'e Washington (Cajon) 12.03; 9. Ashley Franklin (Los Osos) 12.04
200: 9. Franklin (Los Osos) 24.66
400: 2. Vanessa Jones (Etiwanda) 55.72
3,200: 5. Melissa Telon (Rancho Cucamonga) 11:00.63
100 hurdles: 6. Jordie Munford (Etiwanda) 14.43; 7. Kenya Hardge (Miller) 14.56
300 hurdles: 1. Munford (Etiwanda) 43.46, 3. Haley Sanner (Cajon) 43.75, 7. Hardge (Miller) 44.55
4x100 relay: 4. Los Osos 47.32, 6. Cajon 47.79
4x400 relay: 2. Etiwanda 3:50.45
High jump: T1. Ashley Henry (Rancho Cucamonga) 5-4, T1. Tiana Jones (Rancho Cucamonga) 5-4
Long jump: 2. Ashlie Currenton (Silverado) 18-3.25, 4. Marya Carter (Alta Loma) 17-6.25, T9. Jenika Smith (Upland) 17-2.25
Triple jump: 6. Carter (Alta Loma) 38-.75
Pole vault: 1. Nicole Larson (Upland) 11-0
Shot put: 3. Erin Randolph (Yucaipa) 40-5.5, 6. Natania Toilolo (Cajon) 38-6.5
Discus: 9. Dee De Shaefer Robinson (Etiwanda) 114-1

With its 11-1 victory over Pacific, the Colton High School baseball team won its first league title since 1995 according to head coach Mike Reh. The Yellowjackets (18-8 overall, 12-3 league) split with San Gorgonio, who won its second consecutive league title and will get the No. 1 seed by virtue of its 2-1 head-to-head advantage over Colton. The Spartans (22-4, 12-3) defeated San Bernardino 18-0 Thursday.

Cajon (17-8, 11-4) had a chance to make it a three-way split, but fell to Arroyo Valley 5-3 Thursday to pull into the No. 3 spot out of the SAL. Playoff seedings for Division 3 will be released Monday.

The countdown to the awarding of the 46th annual Ken Hubbs Award will start Monday, as the selection committee will pick the overall winner of the award from a group of nominees that have already been submitted by the eligible schools.

The individual school winners will be announced Friday, May 14 at Arrowhead Credit Union Park during the 66ers' game with the Quakes while the overall winner will be honored Monday, May 17 at 6 p.m. at the Elks Club in San Bernardino.

Recent winners of the award include Redlands East Valley football player Ronnie Fouch (2007), Big Bear football player Kriss Proctor (2008) and Yucaipa swimmer Trevor Hoyt last year. Cajon basketball player Layshia Clarendon was honored last year with an award for outstanding female athlete as well.

Several county schools will be honored at Dodger Stadium next Thursday, as the CIF-Southern Section announced the winners of 28th Annual Kenny Fagans Toyota Shake for Sportsmanship Awards Monday.

Boys Republic (Arrowhead League), Arrowhead Christian (Christian), Apple Valley (Mojave River), Ontario (Mt. Baldy), Cajon (San Andreas) and Bloomington (Sunkist) will be honored for their sportsmanship at the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Cajon athletic director Rich Imbriani was awarded the California State Athletic Directors Association athletic director of the year last week and will be honored at a ceremony in Reno, Nevada Saturday.

Imbriani follows Summit athletic director Ed Kearby, who won the honor a year ago. The CSADA will also honor Arroyo Valley athletic director Matt Howell and Chino athletic director Matt McCain with the Norm MacKenzie "Rookie" Directors of the Year award, which goes to exemplary young ADs.

These were e-mailed to me last Thursday by Arroyo Valley athletic director Matt Howell, but I was in Las Vegas and out of e-mail access. Plus, my typing could have been ugly after spending afternoons at various sportsbooks watching my brackets spontaneously combust.

So I apologize for the delay and here they are.

An interesting twist in the Division 5 boys soccer playoffs presents itself today, as the Mojave River League and San Andreas League face off in three separate first-round games.

Two of the games, Pacific at D5 No. 2-seed Hesperia and San Gorgonio at Serrano, will take place in the High Desert while Apple Valley will travel down the hill to face SAL champion Cajon. Both Pacific and Apple Valley helped create this unusual triumvirate by winning their wild-card games Tuesday, as Pacific defeated visited Monrovia 2-1 while the Sun Devils went on the road to beat Salton City West Shores 3-1.

It's almost similar to college bowl season, as two of the more notable league in the area get to butt heads in postseason play - definitely providing a juicy little subplot to the boys soccer playoffs.

Cajon and Colony come in as two-time defending CIF champions, but at least one of them won't make it a three-peat, as both the No. 5 Cowgirls and No. 7 Titans are in Division 1-AA this year. Highest seeds in the county are Barstow in 3-A and Lake Arrowhead Christian in 6-A at No. 2.

First-round games will be played on Thursday in every division except D6-A, which has wild-card games Thursday and first-round games Saturday.

DIVISION 1-AA
Aliso Niguel at No. 1 Long Beach Poly
No. 16 Los Osos at Alhambra
Palmdale at No. 9 Lynwood
Redlands at No. 7 Colony
Vista Murrieta at No. 5 Cajon
No. 12 Milikan at Oxnard Pacifica
La Sierra at No. 13 Rialto
Quartz Hill at No. 4 Etiwanda
Downey at No. 3 Troy
No. 14 Silverado at Knight
Long Beach Cabrillo at No. 11 San Clemente
Miller at No. 6 Great Oak
Redondo Union at No. 8 Jordan
No. 10 Warren at Schurr
Long Beach Wilson at No. 15 Rancho Verde
Upland at No. 2 Corona Santiago

Cajon high school basketball coaches Mark Lehman (girls) and Randy Murray (boys) are accepting nominations for the 30th Annual San Bernardino-Riverside All-Star basketball games to be held April 14 at Cajon High School. The girls all-star game will begin at 6 p.m. - with a 3-point shooting contest at halftime - with the boys game to follow at 8 p.m. A dunk contest will take place at halftime of the boys game.

Nominations can be sent to Lehman for the girls game at mark.lehman@sbcusd.com and Murray for the boys game at randy.murray@sbcusd.com. Nominations must include player's name, height, position, school, uniform number and a brief writeup explaining why they should be selected.

After an inexplicable drop in last week's rankings, Cajon moved up to No. 4 in the Division I-AA poll, setting up a meeting with D1-A No. 2 Summit Saturday in Fontana. Besides that, it was pretty much the status quo as far as county teams are concerned.

Nothing too crazy this week, as Eisenhower remains No. 1 in Division II-A while Chino Hills and Summit retain the No. 2 spots in D1-A and D2-AA. Saturday will have an interesting matchup, as the SkyHawks host Division I-A No. 4 Cajon.

This week's installment of the rankings sees Summit and Ayala ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in Division I-A and Etiwanda leading a contingent of county teams in DI-AA with a No. 4 ranking. Cajon strangely fell from No. 5 to No. 8 in that division despite not losing a game.

The Ayala Extravaganza, one of the top one-day girls basketball showcases in the Southland will start at 9 a.m. Saturday at Ayala HS and have nine different games going on throughout the day into the evening. One of the featured matchups will take place at 3 p.m., as two-time defending CIF champion Cajon takes on Harbor City Narbonne -- one of the top teams in the Los Angeles City Section. The Cowgirls are currently ranked No. 8 in the CIF-SS Division I-AA polls.

Ayala, the No. 3 team in DI-A, plays DI-AA No. 6 Lynwood at 6 p.m. while Chino Hills plays Perris in a matchup of teams ranked in D1-A at 4:30 p.m. Alta Loma starts off the proceedings with a 9 a.m. matchup against Pasadena Blair.

The complete schedule for the Extravaganza, with all games held at Ayala High School:

9 a.m. - Pasadena Blair vs. Alta Loma
10:30 a.m. - Walnut vs. Anaheim Magnolia
12 p.m. - Playa del Rey St. Bernard vs. Vista Murrieta
1:30 p.m. - Lakewood Mayfair vs. Fullerton Rosary
3 p.m. - Harbor City Narbonne vs. Cajon
4:30 p.m. - Chino Hills vs. Perris
6 p.m. - Ayala vs. Lynwood
7:30 p.m. - Diamond Ranch vs. Ventura
9 p.m. - Long Beach Poly vs. Burbank Bellarmine-Jefferson

Cajon offensive lineman Sebastian Tretola made a verbal commitment to the University of Nevada after taking his official visit to the school this past weekend according to an e-mail sent by his father Sunday evening. Tretola, a 6-foot-5, 285-pound offensive tackle, was the linchpin of a Cajon offensive line that led the Cowboys to their fourth straight playoff berth.

Subscribers can read about Tretola's commitment here.

San Gorgonio athletic director Matt Maeda released the bracket for the 2009 San Bernardino Kiwanis Club Tournament to be held December 26, 28-30 at Cajon and San Gorgonio High Schools.

This particular tournament is a bit unusual in that it has an out-of-state team, El Paso (Texas) Chapin, competing. And because of a UIL rule (Texas' equivalent to the CIF) prohibiting Texas teams from playing on the 26th, Chapin and its first-round opponent, Barstow, will have to play its first and second-round games on Dec. 28.

Matchups for the Kiwanis..

Just like last year, I'll break down by high school playoff picks by division every week. And just like a year ago, I'll give my predictions on the whole division in this entry. Will my predictions by worth anything? It's hard to tell, especially in a division as spastic as the Central.

Don Lugo at No. 1 Colton
This game was a mercy-killing when it was played in this round two years ago, as the Yellowjackets ran up, down and over Don Lugo. To be honest, I'm expecting more of the same this time around. This is a better Colton team than what Don Lugo faced two years ago and I'll be surprised if the Conquistadores stop them from scoring before the fourth quarter.
Colton 48, Don Lugo 7

Rancho Cucamonga at Glendora
Apparently Greg Watson is supposed to play for the Cougars after being knocked out of the Etiwanda game last week, which is welcome news for Rancho in its defense of its crown. Glendora is a tough team and will be a test, but having Watson running the Cougar offense seals the deal for me.
Rancho Cucamonga 28, Glendora 20

Chaffey at Hemet West Valley
Last year West Valley was the No. 3 seed until Glendora beat it down in the first round. I think West Valley is ripe for another upset, as Chaffey running back Ronald Douglas has 2,150 yards rushing and has been unstoppable lately. Chaffey went a bit tougher than usual in its nonleague schedule this year and that will pay dividends here.
Chaffey 24, West Valley 18

Arroyo Valley at No. 4 Los Osos
Arroyo Valley, while much improved over a year ago, has had a brutal time against quality competition, as it was dispatched in routine fashion by Silverado, Colton and Cajon. Los Osos has been unconscious the last four weeks since being shutout by Upland and has too much firepower for the Hawks.
Los Osos 38, Arroyo Valley 21

Chino Hills at No. 3 Wildomar Elsinore
If I'm Elsinore, I'm pretty ticked right now. In earning the No. 3 seed, you should be able to avoid teams like Chino Hills, which was the co-champion of the Sierra League and got a No. 3 seed due to coin flips. The Huskies are physical on defense and have an offense that's capable of gaining yards in a multitude of ways. Needless to say, I'm pulling the trigger on an upset.
Chino Hills 21, Elsinore 17

Cajon at Etiwanda
I covered this game last year and I must say, it was one of the more frenetic and enjoyable games I've covered at the Sun. The rematch won't quite be that way, as Cajon has employed a power-running game to eat the clock the last two weeks. That will be effective for a while against the Eagles, but ultimately, Angel Santiago and company will be too much.
Etiwanda 30, Cajon 17

Upland at Damien
If Elsinore is pissed, Damien is having a nuclear meltdown about this matchup. After winning four straight games to win a Sierra League co-championship and get the league's No. 1 seed, the Spartans get an 8-2 at-large team in Upland. The Highlander D, so lethal in the first two-thirds of the season, has become easier to move against, but the Upland O has also improved. Sorry Damien.
Upland 26, Damien 19

Menifee Paloma Valley at No. 2 Colony
The Titans are the best team no one is talking about, as the Titans have won nine in a row since losing their opener to Los Osos. There are questions as to the overall quality of Colony's schedule, but that won't matter against Paloma Valley. Colony has way too much talent to be truly threatened here.
Colony 34, Paloma Valley 14

QUARTERFINALS
Colton over Rancho Cucamonga
Los Osos over Chaffey
Chino Hills over Etiwanda
Upland over Colony

SEMIFINALS
Colton over Los Osos
Chino Hills over Upland

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Colton over Chino Hills

After getting the brackets and deciphering them a bit, I'm going to break them down a bit. I'll start with the Central Division, which was basically put on tilt due to the craziness of the Baseline League. Here are the games.

Don Lugo (5-5) at No. 1 Colton (9-1)
Rancho Cucamonga (8-2) at Glendora (7-3)
Chaffey (6-4) at Hemet West Valley (6-4)
Arroyo Valley (7-3) at No. 4 Los Osos (6-4)
Chino Hills (8-2) at No. 3 Elsinore (8-2)
Cajon (7-3) at Etiwanda (7-3)
Upland (8-2) at Damien (5-5)
Paloma Valley (6-4) at No. 2 Colony (9-1)

A couple things stand out to me. First of all, the Sierra League got screwed the most from the Baseline League jumble. Damien, which won the coin flip for the No. 1 seed in the Sierra League, gets stuck with an at-large team in Upland that was ranked No. 1 in the division as recently as three weeks ago. Glendora, another one of the Sierra League tri-champions, gets stuck with Rancho Cucamonga - the No. 3 seed out of the Baseline and the defending division champions - in round one.

However, the third Sierra team, Chino Hills, could emerge as the sleeper in the division. The Huskies were made the No. 3 seed due to coin flips and play at No. 3 Elsinore, but the Huskies have the talent to make a run. Should they get past Elsinore, they'll have a winnable second-round game against the Cajon-Etiwanda winner and get either Colony, Upland and Damien should they get past that. While Colony dealt Chino Hills one of its two losses, I think Chino Hills could do well in a rematch. Beware of the Huskies.

Another thing I noticed are rematches, either scheduled or highly likely. Cajon and Etiwanda lock horns again this year in a rematch of their thrilling first-round game at Cajon a year ago that was won 28-27 by the Cowboys. Also looming is a second-round matchup between Rancho and the No. 1 seed in the division, Colton. They met last year in the first round with Rancho as the first seed, as the Cougars had to come back from a 10-point second-half deficit to grab a 21-17 victory in their toughest test en route to the CIF title. You know that Colton is thirsting for revenge.

A three-loss week is a good way to go into the finale. With some of these games starting in 90 minutes or less, time to man up and make some picks.

Redlands East Valley at Redlands
This isn't until tomorrow, but a crosstown rivalry between the No. 1 and No. 5 teams in the area, who are both undefeated in league going into the league finale, is going to get top billing. That's the way it is. REV has never won three in a row against the Terriers and Dodge Field should be rocking for the first-ever on-campus meeting between the two. However, I think REV has too many weapons.
Redlands East Valley 24, Redlands 17

Etiwanda at Rancho Cucamonga
The battle of teams upset by Los Osos (guess it's disingenuous to call them upsets now) should be a high-scoring doozy, as both of these teams can score from any point of the field. Of course, I said the same thing before Upland and Rancho played in the regular-season finale last year, only to see a 13-2 game in gale-force winds. Barring a hurricane, this should be fun.
Rancho Cucamonga 41, Etiwanda 32

Ayala at Glendora
Ayala has lost two in a row, with a third loss in a row likely sealing a playoff-less fate. Glendora has the capability of rising up, as its already defeated Chino Hills this season. Ayala hasn't fared well against quality competition, which the Tartans certainly are. I'm taking Glendora.
Glendora 23, Ayala 14

Riverside Patriot at Summit
This is the game I'll be at in less than 90 minutes, as for the second straight year Summit has a live-or-die Thursday night game. They made a spirited comeback to beat Bloomington in this spot next year, but shouldn't need one this time around. Summit finishes the job.
Summit 31, Patriot 20

Granite Hills at Barstow
One of two live-or-die Desert Sky League games, as the Aztecs are faced with being shut out of the playoffs a year after going to the CIF final if they lose to Granite Hills, which has already won more games this season than any other time in school history. Even though Barstow's previous three losses have come at home, I'm going with the Aztecs in this spot.
Barstow 26, Granite Hills 21

Ridgecrest Burroughs at Victor Valley
The other DSL elimination game has the resurgent Jackrabbits, fresh off a one-point victory at Barstow, playing the battle-tested Burros. This has been a year of big steps for Victor Valley, which has taken down rivals Apple Valley and Barstow. Add 'making the playoffs' to those steps.
Victor Valley 24, Ridgecrest Burroughs 19

Ontario Christian at Aquinas
For the 8th straight year, this game is going to decide the Christian League title. Both of these teams have had their share of ups and downs to get to this point, but all is good in the Christian League world apparently. It's been good for the Falcons in this matchup the last two years and I think it will be again, as Aquinas has too many weapons for the Knights.
Aquinas 35, Ontario Christian 17

Garey at Don Lugo
The Vikings have had quite a resurgence and have the horses to come in and upset Don Lugo, which boasts two elite players in DT George Uko and DB/RB Steven Bethley. Garey has some players, but I have a feeling that they'll have to wait a year for their turn.
Don Lugo 27, Garey 17

Apple Valley at Hesperia
League play has been rocky for both of these schools, but things have fallen to where winning this game will make things a heck of a lot more enjoyable for one of the two. Apple Valley has just missed the playoffs the last two years and should finish the job this time around.
Apple Valley 34, Hesperia 16

Cajon at Arroyo Valley
Seems weird to have an SAL game this far down on the list, but there's no league championship or playoff invitation being settled in this matchup - just second and third place. However, this will be a fun game to watch, as junior QBs Thomas Carter (Cajon) and Michael Yearwood (Arroyo Valley) should star. I'll go with the Cowboys in a close one.
Cajon 30, Arroyo Valley 27

Other games of note:

Los Osos 45, Alta Loma 6
Upland 23, Claremont 10
Miller 53, Eisenhower 20
Yucaipa 37, Carter 34
Fontana 28, Rialto 14
Big Bear 20, Desert Hot Springs 16
Yucca Valley 24, Desert Mirage 13
Serrano 48, Sultana 0
Colony 45, Montclair 7
Chaffey 38, Ontario 0
Colton 60, Pacific 0
San Gorgonio 48, San Bernardino 31
Chino Hills 41, Diamond Bar 10
Damien 37, Chino 6
Kaiser 51, Jurupa Valley 0
Norte Vista 34, Bloomington 14
Arrowhead Christian 20, Boron 18
Oak Hills 55, Citrus Valley 6

Week: 25-3
Overall: 226-58

With several games going on tonight, I have to hustle some of this stuff out. So I'll give you the SAL, which is another easy one.

1) Colton (8-1, 4-0): The Yellowjackets have clinched the No. 1 seed out of the SAL regardless of what it does against Pacific tomorrow by virtue of owning the head-to-head tiebreaker with both Cajon and Arroyo Valley. A win likely wraps up the No. 1 seed in the Central Division for Colton though.

2) Arroyo Valley (7-2, 3-1): Wraps up the No. 2 seed with a win over Cajon tomorrow no matter what Colton does, as the Yellowjackets own the head-to-head tiebreaker. A loss to Cajon drops the Hawks to the No. 3 seed.

3) Cajon (6-3, 3-1): Wraps up the No. 2 seed with a win over Arroyo Valley tomorrow no matter what Colton does, as the Yellowjackets own the head-to-head tiebreaker. A loss to Arroyo Valley drops the Cowboys to the No. 3 seed.

4) San Gorgonio (2-7, 1-3): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

5) San Bernardino (2-7, 1-3): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

6) Pacific (1-8, 0-4): Eliminated from playoff consideration.

Cajon High School will have two athletes signing Friday as part of the 2009 Fall Signing Period, with softball player Bre'jae Washington signing with the University of Texas and gymnast Henrietta Green signing with Iowa State. The signings will take place at 10 a.m. in room B-24 on the Cajon campus.

Heading out to Colton in a bit for a rare Thursday night showdown. Missed Barstow-Silverado, the Los Osos upset of Rancho Cucamonga and Arrowhead Christian last week.

Cajon at Colton
This was the game last year where Cajon overpowered Colton in the second half to grab a blowout victory and wrest the San Andreas League title from the Yellowjackets' grasp. Well, it looks like its time for Colton to do the wresting. Cajon has not been very effective against quality competition and Colton is the best team its faced to date. Like the Yellowjackets to roll right now.
Colton 28, Cajon 6

Kaiser at Summit
Another great Thursday night bash, as SoFo goes to NoFo for a matchup that should be dope, yo. Anthony Brown has been running around crazy for the Cats in recent weeks, scoring eight touchdowns in two Sunkist League games. If he can continue that clip of production against a Summit defense that's pitched consecutive shutouts, Kaiser will roll. He likely won't, but I'll pick Kaiser anyway.
Kaiser 24, Summit 16

Redlands at Miller
The first of three titanic Citrus Belt League showdowns from now until the end of the season, as Redlands has won six in a row and Miller has won four in a row. It will be interesting to see how well the resurgent Miller offense does against the stingy Terrier defense. I personally think that Redlands comes in to Miller and pulls one out.
Redlands 20, Miller 14

Upland at Etiwanda
The classic battle between the explosive offense (Etiwanda) and the suffocating defense (Upland). With Rancho inexplicably slipping up to Los Osos, this game all of a sudden is a battle for first place. While Angel Santiago and company are enjoyable to watch, in a battle like this, I almost always go with defense. Upland will choke 'em out.
Upland 21, Etiwanda 10

Colony at Chaffey
The Tigers took it to Colony last year, going to the southside and defeating the Titans to grab the Mt. Baldy League title. You know that the Titans, who have won six in a row, are looking to settle the score and get this rivalry back in their favor. Chaffey will have some success, but this might be the best Colony team that Anthony Rice has had, which says a lot.
Colony 27, Chaffey 14

Ridgecrest Burroughs at Silverado
Having gone up the 15 and blasted Barstow, Silverado - winners of six straight games - can put a hammerlock on the Desert Sky League with a victory against a Burroughs team that has split heart-wrenching games to Barstow and Granite Hills. The Hawks have some pretty solid pelts and are on a huge roll, a roll I don't expect the Burros to stop.
Silverado 30, Burroughs 20

Glendora at Chino Hills
Finally, the cream of the Sierra League crop is actually going to play each other. After two weeks of pretty bad games, this one should be OK. I'm only going with OK because Glendora isn't quite what it's been the last two years. Chino Hills, on the other hand, is looking pretty strong and should have its way here.
Chino Hills 28, Glendora 16

Apple Valley at Rim of the World
It's been a tough two weeks for the Sun Devils, who have lost close games to Granite Hills and Serrano that very easily could be wins. It doesn't get much easier for Apple Valley, as they head up the hill to face a Rim team that traditionally gives it fits. The Sun Devils don't need to win this to make the playoffs, which is good for them, because I see the Fighting Scots fighting on.
Rim of the World 20, Apple Valley 17

Aquinas at Arrowhead Christian
Sort of a weird vibe coming into this game, as ACA is the team that comes in with a CIF ranking while Aquinas hasn't won on the field since Oct. 2. The Falcons aren't winless during that time, as the two-time defending Christian League champions got a forfeit win over La Verne Lutheran, but they want to show ACA that the road to the Christian title goes through them still. They will.
Aquinas 24, Arrowhead Christian 9

Yucca Valley at Twentynine Palms
The De Anza co-champs have been resurgent of late, as Twentynine Palms has won four straight after starting 0-4 while Yucca Valley has won back-to-back games after an 0-5 start. The winner of The Victory Bell takes control of the league championship race and while I like what Yucca has done, the Wildcats take this at home.
Twentynine Palms 28, Yucca Valley 13

Other games of interest:

Chino 48, Diamond Bar 40
Garey 30, Ontario 10
Los Osos 23, Claremont 20
Rancho Cucamonga 45, Alta Loma 0
Redlands East Valley 48, Carter 14
Yucaipa 35, Fontana 20
Rialto 42, Eisenhower 36
Big Bear 21, Desert Mirage 16
Granite Hills 23, Victor Valley 21
Serrano 27, Hesperia 6
Don Lugo 31, Montclair 10
Arroyo Valley 34, San Gorgonio 27
San Bernardino 38, Pacific 20
Ayala 28, Damien 17
Bloomington 35, Jurupa Valley 7
Barstow 28, Sultana 12
Murrieta Mesa 24, Citrus Valley 18
Laguna Beach 30, Oak Hills 24

Week: 26-3
Overall: 179-49

The Cajon-Colton bash, which will likely determine the San Andreas League champion, will be played on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Colton High School instead of Friday as was originally scheduled during the summer.

Makes for a great Thursday of football, as Kaiser and Summit will also butt heads at 7 p.m. at Miller High School.

Dropped four last week, a slight move in the wrong direction from the week before. But I'm feeling a perfect week coming this week. Or I'm coming down with swine flu. Either way, good times for all.

Silverado at Barstow
The Desert Sky League is ballin' this year and this should be the marquee matchup of the league slate. The Hawks and Aztecs played two great games last year in Victorville, with Silverado taking the regular season meeting and Barstow winning in the Eastern semifinals. I like what the Hawks have done during their five-game win streak, but I'm feeling Barstow at home.
Barstow 28, Silverado 24

Miller at Carter
The Rebels have made everyone forget about their 0-3 start (at least everyone but me) by putting the hurt on CBL foes Fontana, Rialto and Yucaipa. Of course, I picked Yucaipa last week, so I looked really dumb. I won't make the same mistake this week, although Carter is much improved from a year ago. Going with Miller to bump its CBL win streak to 12.
Miller 38, Carter 27

Rancho Cucamonga at Los Osos
The Grizzlies may be the best 2-4 team out there, as Los Osos has lost to Vista Murrieta (No. 3, Inland), Upland (No. 2 Central), Redlands (No. 7 Inland) and Riverside North. Unfortunately for Los Osos, it'll be the best 2-5 team out there when all is said and done, as they won't be able to take Rancho, the No. 1 team in the Central Division.
Rancho Cucamonga 34, Los Osos 17

Riverside Norte Vista at Kaiser
Typically the Sunkist is Kaiser, a few other teams, and some other teams thrown in for fun. Norte Vista is usually one of the teams thrown in for fun, but not this year, as the Braves have a perfect 6-0 record and the No. 8 record in the Eastern Division. But they aren't ready to sit at the big-boy table with Kaiser just yet. The battle-tested Cats will overpower Norte Vista.
Kaiser 22, Norte Vista 13

Cajon at San Gorgonio
We know that Cajon can go off on completely overmatched teams and can get throttled by very good teams. San G is somewhere in between, which makes for an interesting matchup. The 2-4 Spartans would love to get a signature victory under first-year coach Ron Gueringer, while the Cowboys want to prove that they can beat a team with a pulse. I'll pick the latter in a high-scoring affair.
Cajon 38, San Gorgonio 28

Garey at Colony
It's really hard to find a game worth picking from the Mt. Baldy League, so I went with this one. The Vikings aren't that bad, beating a decent Pomona team and fending off Montclair last week. But Colony is a darn good team with some pretty good pelts (Chino Hills, Kaiser) mounted on its wall. Garey is intriguing, but not intriguing enough to make me think about this prediction.
Colony 35, Garey 10

Serrano at Apple Valley
The Diamondbacks impressed the heck out of me last week, making Rim of the World tap out due to a physical, unrelenting defense. Apple Valley presents a few more looks than Rim did, as they've expanded their offense a bit past star running back Daryon Mosley. But Serrano has some elite talent to go with its traditional brawn, both of which will be too much for the Sun Devils to handle.
Serrano 28, Apple Valley 14

Chino Hills at Chino
Yeah, the Sierra League slate is that bad this week. It was either this or the Diamond Bar-Ayala game, another 0-6 vs. 5-1 matchup, so I went with the two county teams. I guess I could have gone without a Sierra game at all, but I'm not that mean. I'm not talking about this game much because there's not much to talk about. Chino Hills will win and it will likely be ugly.
Chino Hills 48, Chino 0

Twentynine Palms at Desert Mirage
Left for dead by some after an 0-4 start, the Wildcats have roared back by winning three straight games and not only look like the class of the De Anza League, but a contender in the East Valley playoffs as well. Desert Mirage runs the ball well and could be a sleeper, but I can't see them making this kind of leap just yet.
Twentynine Palms 27, Desert Mirage 11

Yucaipa at Redlands
Yucaipa is in week 3 of the CBL gauntlet, having dropped games to Redlands East Valley and Miller the last two weeks. While its not necessary for the Thunderbirds to beat Redlands to make the playoffs, it would make life a lot easier for Yucaipa. I wouldn't count on it happening though, as Redlands has consistently stepped up its game with each passing week.
Redlands 26, Yucaipa 13

Other games of interest:

Upland 36, Alta Loma 0
Etiwanda 48, Claremont 24
Ontario Christian 27, Western Christian 17
Fontana 41, Eisenhower 30
Redlands East Valley 63, Rialto 6
Yucca Valley 18, Desert Hot Springs 14
Ridgecrest Burroughs 27, Granite Hills 21
Rim of the World 42, Sultana 7
Chaffey 36, Montclair 12
Don Lugo 31, Ontario 6
Arroyo Valley 54, Pacific 7
Colton 58, San Bernardino 6
Ayala 38, Diamond Bar 13
Riverside Patriot 24, Bloomington 10
Summit 45, Jurupa Valley 3
Arrowhead Christian 20, Huntington Beach Brethren Christian 16
Victor Valley 21, Hesperia 17
Oak Hills 30, Palm Desert Xavier Prep 10
Big Bear 42, Citrus Valley 6

Week: 23-4
Overall: 153-46

A couple of significant volleyball tournaments will take place this weekend as Redlands East Valley and Ayala host tournaments for teams looking to cram for playoff play in a couple of weeks.

The 2009 REV Volleyball Classic -- a one-day, 12-team tourney on Saturday -- will feature the Wildcats, the No. 1 team in the most recent CIF-SS Division II-AA polls. Along with Redlands East Valley, the field includes Sultana, Yucaipa and several teams from Riverside County, most notably Division 2-A No. 1 Wildomar Elsinore and 3-AA No. 3 Palm Springs. Action starts at 8 a.m. with three four-team pools - pool A (Elsinore, Riverside Poly, Sultana, Yucaipa), pool B (REV, Temecula Chaparral, Riverside King, Paloma Valley) and pool C (Palm Springs, Corona, Temescal Canyon, Norco).

The Bulldog Classic at Ayala will take place Friday and Saturday. Joining the host Bulldogs will be Rancho Cucamonga -- the No. 9 team in Division 1-A -- and San Andreas League leader Cajon.

With the fall signing period coming up next month, basketball recruiting is starting to pick up. Three county players have made verbal commitments to Division I schools.

Ayala senior Rhema Gardner verbally committed to UCLA earlier this week according to ESPN.com, joining her older sister and former All-Sun first-team selection Rebekah Gardner. The 6-foot-2 Gardner averaged 12.9 points and 11.1 rebounds for the Bulldogs last season.

Chino Hills guard Derek Brown also made his choice according to Scout.com and picked San Jose State after an official visit last month. Brown, a 6-foot-2 senior, won Sierra League MVP honors by averaging 16.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

But it wasn't just seniors who committed this week. Etiwanda junior swingman Byron Wesley, an all-Sun first-team selection at Cajon last year, committed to USC according to Rivals.com. The 6-foot-5 Wesley averaged 18.7 points and 7.4 rebounds as a sophomore.

Right before going to bed I looked over the San Diego State boxscore and noticed that Aztec freshman RB Walter Kazee, a Cajon graduate and the 2008 All-Sun Most Valuable Player, had a breakout game to lead SDSU to a 34-17 victory over New Mexico State. Kazee ran for 101 yards on 22 carries against the Aggies, scoring his first career touchdown on a 3-yard run in the fourth quarter.

2007 Most Valuable Player Chris Polk also had a heck of day in a losing cause for Washington against Notre Dame. The redshirt freshman RB, a Redlands East Valley graduate, ran for 136 yards on 22 carries and caught two passes for 9 yards in the Huskies' 37-30 overtime loss to the Fighting Irish. Polk appeared to have scored on a 6-yard TD midway through the fourth quarter, which would have put Washington up 31-22 with a made extra point, but a video review ruled him down inside the Notre Dame 1. Washington couldn't push the ball in and settled for a field goal that would loom large later. He now has 452 yards rushing in five games for Washington.

Cajon drops off the face of the Earth and Kaiser barely hangs on. Will let them play for their spot against Colton.

1. Rancho Cucamonga (4-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday at Temecula Valley (1-3).

2. Redlands East Valley (4-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Eisenhower, 69-26. Up next: Friday at Yucaipa (3-1).

3. Upland (5-0)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: def. Bloomington, 45-6. Up next: Oct. 16 vs. Los Osos (1-3).

4. Colton (3-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: def. Chaffey, 35-12. Up next: Friday at No. 10 Kaiser (2-2).

5. Colony (4-1)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: def. No. 10 Kaiser, 19-14. Up next: Oct. 16 vs. Ontario (1-4).

6. Etiwanda (3-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Chino, 45-14. Up next: Friday at Covina Charter Oak (3-1).

7. Chino Hills (4-1)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. San Gorgonio, 30-14. Up next: Oct. 16 at Damien (1-4).

8. Barstow (3-1)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Hesperia, 35-16. Up next: Friday at San Bernardino (1-3).

9. Redlands (3-1)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Carter, 35-6. Up next: Friday vs. Fontana (2-2)

10. Kaiser (2-2)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: lost to No. 5 Colony, 19-14. Up next: Friday vs. No. 4 Colton (3-1).

Just missed the cut: Arroyo Valley (4-0), Rim of the World (5-0), Ayala (4-1), Victor Valley (4-0).
Dropped out: No. 10 Cajon (3-2).

Better last week, as I only messed up six games. Of course four of those were in my featured 10, so I'm really not sure if I've really gotten smarter. This week starts Citrus Belt League play, so it's starting to get really good. Here are my picks before I head to Fontana High School for tonight's Fohi-Miller tilt.

Miller at Fontana
Before the season, this looked to be a speedbump for the defending CBL champion Rebels, as Fontana had only won five games the previous five seasons while Miller was returning much of their offense. But two Steeler wins and an 0-3 Miller start has made this game pretty key. While Miller had a brutal schedule and Fohi beat SAL cellardwellars Pacific and San Bernardino, its clear that Fohi is improved and Miller isn't. However, I'll pick Miller to survive, albeit barely.
Miller 28, Fontana 20

Carter at Redlands
Another intriguing CBL opener, because for whatever reason, the Lions play well against Redlands. The Terriers barely escaped at Carter 7-6 during their CBL championship season in 2006, lost to Carter at home in 2007 and struggled to beat the Lions last year. The Carter offense has shown explosive qualities, but Redlands has been stingy on defense. I'll take the savvy of Redlands in this one.
Redlands 21, Carter 12

Colony at Kaiser
These teams have both been battle-tested and quality approved, with Colony beating Chino Hills and Diamond Ranch already while Kaiser destroyed Cajon last week. Both teams are feeling confident and have talent to burn. However, Kaiser gave one of the better defensive performances I've seen in my three years here, especially given the quality of Cajon. I expect them to be slightly superior to the Titans.
Kaiser 19, Colony 16

Summit at Silverado
Silverado entertained the heck out of me last Thursday, breaking five touchdowns of 50 yards or more against Palm Desert. After a slow start, it seems as if the Hawks offense is running in full gear. Summit has that capability and while only 1-2, showed well in close losses to Etiwanda and Redlands. Expect some big plays and some crazy athleticism in the High Desert, with the home team prevailing in a classic.
Silverado 35, Summit 30

Hesperia at Barstow
Very interesting litmus test for both of these schools. The Scorpion offense finally broke out against Pacific, but playing the listless Pirates doesn't really compare to facing defending Eastern Division runner-up Barstow. The Aztecs also have something to prove after falling last week to Quartz Hill in upset fashion. Hesperia is improved, but I'll go with a veteran Barstow team at home.
Barstow 30, Hesperia 21

Chaffey at Colton
If there are 10 passes combined between the two teams, I'll be shocked. Chaffey likes to pound the ball with senior RB Ronald Douglas, the county's leading rusher, while Colton has a fleet of backs to excel in the double-wing. The Yellowjackets defense seems to have settled in after a tough opener against Vista Murrieta and will subdue Chaffey enough to pull out the win.
Colton 24, Chaffey 12

Upland at Bloomington
The positive vibes the Bruins got by winning their first two games were mostly eradicated in their 51-0 loss to Corona Roosevelt. It doesn't get much easier for Bloomington, as Upland and its lockdown defense come into town. Tim Salter gets a ton of credit in my mind for reshaping the Highlanders from a big-play, somewhat finesse squad into a hard-nosed physical unit. Bloomington will be heaping praise on Upland as well.
Upland 28, Bloomington 6

San Gorgonio at Chino Hills
After impressively winning at Hesperia in its opener, the Spartans have had a tough time of it in losing to Redlands East Valley and Yucaipa. Now they are going against a team that smacked them twice last year, including 52-13 in the playoffs. Chino Hills bounced back last week with a nice win over Diamond Ranch after losing to Colony the week before and will continue to roll.
Chino Hills 34, San Gorgonio 14

La Quinta at Cajon
La Quinta hasn't had a fun time in the Inland Empire the past two weeks, losing lopsided games to Colton and Norco. They come back again to face a Cajon team who's pride is a bit wounded after being shut out by Kaiser. It will be interesting to see how the Cowboys react to being punched in the mouth and how La Quinta will react to the travel. I'll go with Cajon in a close one.
Cajon 18, La Quinta 14

Indio at Rim of the World
This has all the makings of a beatdown. Indio has struggled after losing the bulk of its 6-4 team a year ago and faces a Rim of the World team that's a bit sore about losing to the Rajahs on the road a year ago. Expect the Fighting Scots to run on Indio early and often, keeping its undefeated start going.
Rim of the World 38, Indio 7

Other games of interest:
Redlands East Valley 55, Eisenhower 0
Yucaipa 48, Rialto 14
Apple Valley 31, San Bernardino 26
Arroyo Valley 34, Alta Loma 10
Ayala 47, South El Monte 3
Granite Hills 30, Cathedral City 17
Etiwanda 45, Chino 6
Pacific 28, Citrus Valley 10
Claremont 38, Ontario 14
Don Lugo 37, Jurupa Valley 9
San Juan Capistrano St. Margaret's 42, Ontario Christian 13
Aquinas 28, San Pedro Mary Star of the Sea 13
Serrano 38, Santa Clarita Golden Valley 3
Oak Park 24, Twentynine Palms 13
Victor Valley 33, Sultana 16
Yucca Valley 21, Arrowhead Christian 17
Big Bear 28, Oak Hills 27

Week: 24-6
Overall: 86-35

Everyone is the same, but Kaiser makes a huge move while Barstow and Cajon tumble.

Sun Top 10

1. Rancho Cucamonga (4-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. Covina Charter Oak, 35-25. Up next: Oct. 9 at Temecula Valley (0-3)

2. Redlands East Valley (3-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. Orange Lutheran, 20-14. Up next: Friday at Eisenhower (0-3)

3. Upland (4-0)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: def. Lancaster Eastside, 44-0. Up next: Friday at Bloomington (2-1).

4. Colton (2-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Palm Springs, 21-12. Up next: Friday vs. Chaffey (2-2).

5. Kaiser (2-1)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. No. 10 Cajon, 20-0. Up next: Friday vs. No. 7 Colony (3-1).

6. Etiwanda (2-1)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Chino (0-3).

7. Colony (3-1)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Alta Loma, 30-10. Up next: Friday at No. 5 Kaiser (2-1).

8. Chino Hills (3-1)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Diamond Ranch, 17-14. Up next: Friday vs. San Gorgonio (1-2).

9. Barstow (2-1)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: lost to Quartz Hill, . Up next: Friday vs. Hesperia (2-1).

10. Cajon (3-1)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: lost to No. 5 Kaiser, 20-0. Up next: Friday vs. La Quinta (1-2).

Just missed the cut: Arroyo Valley (3-0), Redlands (2-1), Rim of the World (4-0), Ayala (3-1).

Dropped out: None.

Still losing too many games here, as I went 24-10 in this space last week. It's time to kick some butt and take some names. Here are my picks before I head up to Victorville to see some Palm Desert-Silverado action.

Kaiser at Cajon
The champions of the Sunkist and San Andreas Leagues come together for what should be a physical contest. Last year the Cowboys outlasted Kaiser 10-7 in Fontana but I expect to see many more points this time around, as Cajon is averaging 50.6 points per game. It won't reach that mark obviously, but Cajon should have enough firepower in this one.
Cajon 24, Kaiser 14

Redlands East Valley at Orange Lutheran
This game is huge for REV's perception, as the Wildcats, with a win, can not only get a big win as far as San Bernardino County's reputation is concerned, but can also put themselves in the conversation for the state bowls in December. The Wildcats have the explosive offense and physical defense to get the win. I'll go out on a limb and say they will.
Redlands East Valley 28, Orange Lutheran 25

Rancho Cucamonga at Covina Charter Oak
The Central Division champion takes on the Southeast Division champion in a rematch of last year's 14-14 tie, the only blemish on each team's championship resume. This should be a doozy once again and I think it's supposed to be on TV. Rancho looked really good against Carter last week and I think they'll settle this game in regulation.
Rancho Cucamonga 21, Charter Oak 17

Yucaipa at San Gorgonio
This is an intriguing matchup, as both of these teams have explosive capabilities. The Thunderbirds scored four touchdowns from 62 yards or more in their win over San Bernardino while San Gorgonio has put up some lofty numbers with its new spread attack. I'll go with the home team in a thriller that will see lots of points and excitement.
San Gorgonio 33, Yucaipa 31

Palm Desert at Silverado
After a embarrassing Week 0 loss to Gardena Serra, the Hawks have righted the ship, battling Serrano close and defeating Quartz Hill. However, Palm Desert is potent and will be a tough test for Silverado. But what else is new - Silverado prides itself on painful nonleague schedules. Palm Desert has a little too much oomph right now.
Palm Desert 28, Silverado 17

Diamond Ranch at Chino Hills
The last two victims of Colony get to compare wounds this week. But even with the Colony angle ignored, this matchup has made for some classic games over the last couple of years, with the teams splitting meetings. Assuming Ryan Verdugo and Ifo Ekpre-Olomu are going to play, I'm taking Chino Hills here.
Chino Hills 27, Diamond Ranch 17

Vista Murrieta at Los Osos
Not the best matchup for a Los Osos team looking for momentum after consecutive losses to Riverside North and Redlands. Vista Murrieta is scary good, as they went into Colton two weeks ago and had their way with the Yellowjackets. Los Osos can throw the ball, but that won't be enough against the Broncos.
Vista Murrieta 30, Los Osos 16

Palm Springs at Colton
Kind of a repeat of last week, as a highly-rated Eastern Division squad from the Low Desert comes into Colton. The Yellowjackets disposed of former No. 2 La Quinta 23-8 last week and now face a No. 3 ranked Palm Springs team that it beat with a 100-yard fumble return last year. Such heroics won't be necessary this time around.
Colton 25, Palm Springs 13

Apple Valley at Victor Valley
The battle for The Bell has been an Apple Valley-dominated thing recently, as the Sun Devils have won the last five. However, Victor Valley came within a failed 2-point conversion of winning it last year and have ascended to No. 10 in the Eastern Division polls thanks to a 2-0 start. So who am I going to pick? Apple Valley of course. Don Lugo aside, you don't pick against a streak.
Apple Valley 27, Victor Valley 23

Eisenhower at Arroyo Valley
This is the first meeting between schools that are almost within walking distance of each other on Baseline Road. The Eagles have shown some big-play offensive ability with QB Richard Redd and WR Darron Usher, but the defense has been an absolute sieve, giving up 109 points in two weeks. That won't fly against Arroyo Valley QB Michael Yearwood.
Arroyo Valley 45, Eisenhower 26

Other games of note:

Colony 35, Alta Loma 10
Baldwin Park Sierra Vista 38, Western Christian 29
Riverside Norte Vista 25, Carter 23
Aquinas 42, Citrus Valley 0
Corona Roosevelt 43, Bloomington 20
Ayala 28, H.H. Los Altos 18
Chaffey 31, La Puente Nogales 16
Lancaster 30, Oak Hills 10
San Marcos 34, Ontario 17
Hesperia 38, Pacific 6
Serrano 19, Palmdale Highland 13
Barstow 28, Quartz Hill 14
Granite Hills 34, Rialto 20
Rim of the World 36, Bishop 14
Fontana 37, San Bernardino 31
Palmdale Knight 30, Sultana 12
Temecula Linfield Christian 28, Ontario Christian 23
Banning 27, Twentynine Palms 13
Upland 20, Lancaster Eastside 3
Beaumont 20, Yucca Valley 10

Last week: 24-10
Overall: 62-29

Brand new. Colony breaks in with some vigor.

Sun Top 10

1. Rancho Cucamonga (3-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. Carter, 49-18. Up next: Friday at Covina Charter Oak (3-0).

2. Redlands East Valley (2-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: def. San Gorgonio, 56-10. Up next: Friday vs. Orange Lutheran (1-1) at Orange Coast College.

3. Barstow (2-0)
Previous ranking: 4. Last week: def. Paraclete, 20-10. Up next: Friday vs. Quartz Hill (0-2).

4. Cajon (3-0)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: def. Sultana, 41-0. Up next: Friday vs. No. 10 Kaiser (1-1).

5. Upland (3-0)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: def. Serrano, 21-18. Up next: Friday vs. Lancaster Eastside (0-2) at Antelope Valley College.

6. Colton (1-1)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. La Quinta, 23-8. Up next: Friday vs. Palm Springs (2-0).

7. Etiwanda (2-1)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: lost to Norco, 37-27. Up next: Oct. 2 vs. Chino (0-2).

8. Colony (2-1)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. No. 9 Chino Hills, 22-6. Up next: Friday vs. Alta Loma (0-3).

9. Chino Hills (2-1)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: lost to No. 8 Colony, 22-6. Up next: Friday vs. Diamond Ranch (1-2).

10. Kaiser (1-1)
Previous ranking: 5. Last week: lost to Riverside North, 28-12. Up next: Friday at No. 4 Cajon (3-0).

Just missed the cut: Redlands (2-1), Arroyo Valley (2-0), Ayala (2-1), Rim of the World (3-0).

Dropped out: No. 10 Serrano (1-2).

Also discussed at the Tuesday school board meeting was air conditioning for the Cajon High School gymnasium. A measure for renovations of the high school included air conditioning for the gym, but unforeseen money spent on asbestos removal now leaves the gym, without AC.

"They did a lot of renovations first that weren't really necessary, like new doors to classrooms," said Cajon girls basketball coach Mark Lehman, who spoke in front of the school board Tuesday. "But the asbestos discovery sidetracked the project, and by the time they got to the gym, apparently there was no more money."

That leaves the gym a sweatbox, according to Lehman, as vents were sealed up as part of the yet-to-be-completed insertion of air conditioning, allowing even less air in and out of the facility. He appealed for a rearranging of funds to complete the project, something the school board said it would look into, according to Lehman.

Sorry about the lateness of this - was in Michigan this weekend at the Michigan-Notre Dame game. But I'm back, I'm happy and raring to go.

1. Rancho Cucamonga (2-0)
Another game, another routine win. The Cougars haven't been jaw-droppingly good yet, but they are getting the job done and getting the young defense ready for the Baseline League.

2. Redlands East Valley (1-0)
Great first game against a traditionally strong Clovis East team. Definitely look to be head and shoulders above everyone else in the Citrus Belt League.

3. Chino Hills (2-0)
The Huskies should be No. 2 behind Rancho in the Central Division polls later today and quite frankly, look really good right now. It's not easy to manhandle Chaffey the way Chino Hills did.

4. Barstow (1-0)
An expected easy win against Rialto and Colton's loss has the Aztecs in pretty elite position. They have a tough test with Paraclete though.

5. Kaiser (1-0)
The defense subdued Apple Valley in Phil Zelaya's debut, as you would expect, but a game against nemsis Riverside North - which bombed Los Osos - awaits.

6. Etiwanda (2-0)
The Eagles' offense might be the most explosive in the area. Yes, maybe even better than Rancho's. We'll truly get to see the Eagles under fire this week at Norco.

7. Cajon (2-0)
The Cowboys and their stable of Kazees haven't been tested yet, scoring 111 points in their first two games. Sultana won't provide much of a test this week either.

8. Upland (2-0)
The Miller game wasn't a fluke, as the Highlander defense was even more stingy against Glendora. Upland's defense definitely looks nasty at this point.

9. Colton (0-1)
Vista Murrieta is a good team, so Colton shouldn't feel that bad about the loss. Quarterback Jordan Mixon showed some jitters and the offensive line has some kinks to work out.

10. Serrano (1-1)
I was extremely close to putting San G in this spot after their domination of Hesperia, but I went with the Diamondbacks. Defense looks good, but the offense needs to produce more than 13 points in two games.

Missed the cut: San Gorgonio (1-0), Chaffey (1-1), Los Osos (1-1), Arroyo Valley (1-0)

The updated top 10. With two top 5 teams taking a tumble, there was quite a bit of shuffling.

Sun Top 10

1. Rancho Cucamonga (1-0)
Previous ranking: 1. Last week: def. Damien, 27-14. Up next: Friday vs. Moreno Valley Canyon Springs (0-0).

2. Redlands East Valley (0-0)
Previous ranking: 2. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Clovis East (0-1).

3. Colton (0-0)
Previous ranking: 3. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Vista Murrieta (0-0).

4. Chino Hills (1-0)
Previous ranking: 6. Last week: def. Lakewood Mayfair, 30-6. Up next: Friday vs. No. 10 Chaffey (1-0).

5. Barstow (0-0)
Previous ranking: 7. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday vs. Rialto (0-0)

6. Kaiser (0-0)
Previous ranking: 8. Last week: idle. Up next: Friday at Apple Valley (0-0).

7. Etiwanda (1-0)
Previous ranking: 9. Last week: def. Summit, 20-17. Up next: Friday vs. Temecula Valley (0-0)

8. Cajon (1-0)
Previous ranking: 10. Last week: def. Duarte, 55-0. Up next: Friday at Eisenhower (0-0).

9. Upland (1-0)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Miller, 23-8. Up next: Friday vs. Glendora (0-0)

10. Chaffey (1-0)
Previous ranking: NR. Last week: def. Alta Loma, 34-10. Up next: Friday at No. 4 Chino Hills (1-0).

Just missed the cut: Serrano (0-1), Los Osos (1-0), Ayala (1-0), Miller (0-1)

Dropped out: No. 4 Miller (0-1), No. 5 Serrano (0-1).

Before prediciting this weekend's games, here is my Top 10 that ran in The Sun Sunday.

1. Rancho Cucamonga
A CIF champion with a USC-bound tight end (Randal Telfer) and a Division I athlete at quarterback in Greg Watson seems like a good No. 1 to me. It'll be interesting to see how the defense jells, but the offense will be scary good.

2. Redlands East Valley
This has almost become a default pick, as the Wildcats have it rolling to that extent. With third-year starting QB Tyler Shreve being a Division I level quarterback and a tenacious defense led by DE Andrew Hudson, REV is the favorite in the CBL.

3. Colton
The Yellowjackets struggled, at least in comparison to most Colton teams last year, going 6-4-1. But most of the team returns and there is speed to burn in RB/DB Derrick Malone, DB Jonathan Mack and junior QB Jordan Mixon.

4. Miller
If Jeff Steinberg was still coaching, the Rebels would be at least No. 2 and even have an argument (though not a great one) for No. 1. But with freshman coach Jeff Strycula being hired late, I'm taking a bit of a wait-and-see look right now.

5. Serrano
The Diamondbacks are pretty darn tough even without Division I talent. But with RB Dionza Bradford and DE Everett Beed both committed to UNLV, Serrano has top-level personnel. That could make 2009 a special year in Phelan.

6. Chino Hills
This team pretty much made me look stupid last year and I refuse to underrate them this year. They came within a last-second touchdown of beating Los Osos in the Central quarters and have ball-hawking safety Ifo-Ekpre Olomu and QB Ryan Verdugo back.

7. Barstow
The Aztecs almost pulled off the huge upset in the CIF title game, battling Citrus Hill to the wire in the 31-27 loss. Barstow will be experienced (32 lettermen returning) and physical in their double-wing offense and have all the makings of a title contender.

8. Kaiser
Dick Bruich may be gone, but the talent isn't. USC-bound running back Anthony Brown will lead a physical, run-oriented offense while defensive end/linebacker Josh Shirley, a top 150 recruit, is an absolute matchup nightmare for opposing offenses.

9. Etiwanda
The Eagles should fly this year behind do-everything dual-threat QB Angel Santiago and star WR Bobby Ratliff. With Los Osos and Upland dealing with major graduation losses, the door is open for Etiwanda to move up the Baseline pecking order.

10. Cajon
The Cowboys lose several impact players from its 11-2, SAL championship team from a year ago, the biggest being RB Walter Kazee (San Diego State) and CB/WR Marlon Pollard (UCLA), but the Cowboys still should be an SAL factor.

Others receiving consideration: Summit, Ayala, Hesperia, Chaffey.

The 2008 season was the best season that the Cajon High School football team had in two decades. An undefeated San Andreas League championship, an 11-2 overall record and advancing to the Central Division semifinals between a talented cast that featured UCLA-bound cornerback Marlon Pollard and two-time all-Sun Player of the Year Walter Kazee made for some lasting memories.

But those are memories that Cowboys coach Kim Battin hopes that his team forgets. While 2008 was a great memory, Battin wants to nip any sense of entitlement that could come from that success in the bud.

The Cajon girls basketball team, fresh off consecutive CIF-SS titles, looks to be in good shape despite graduating star players Layshia Clarendon and Darshae Burnside, as the Cowgirls have advanced to the finals of the Los Angeles Summer Watts games. The Cowgirls, the only IE team in the field, will play Los Angeles Washington at 9 a.m. tomorrow at Southwestern College.

After working out this past weekend at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Cajon senior guard Layshia Clarendon was named as one of 14 finalists for the Under-19 National Team Sunday. Clarendon, a 5-9 point guard who will play for California next season, will return to Colorado Springs July 9 to compete for a spot on the final roster, which will consist of 12 players. The 14 finalists were culled from a pool of 27 high school and college players that tried out this past weekend.

The United States' Under-19 National Team then will travel to Thailand for the 2009 FIBA World Championships, which start July 23.in Bangkok. Past standouts that have played on this team include Lisa Leslie, Rebecca Lobo and Don Lugo alum Diana Taurasi.

Cajon senior guard Layshia Clarendon continues to rub her elbows with the elite in girls basketball, as she is in Colorado Springs currently working out with top high school and college players at the U.S. Olympic Training facility according to an e-mail sent by Cowgirls coach Mark Lehman.

Clarendon is among a handful of high school players chosen to compete with college players for spots on the Junior National Basketball Team, which will compete in the World Championship Games this summer. More information on the event can be found at www.usabasketball.com.

Cajon softball coach Jerry Tivey was named the California Coaches Association's softball Coach of the Year late last week. Tivey will be honored at a banquet set to be held on June 13 in Irvine and will be in the running for the National Coach of the Year.

The Tivey-led Cowgirls have already clinched the San Andreas League title and are 20-4 overall and a perfect 12-0 in the SAL going into the final week of the season. They are No. 2 in the most recent Division III poll behind Westlake Village Oaks Christian and have been led by senior second baseman Brehanna Rodrigues (.569 batting average) and freshman pitcher Monique Wesley, who has thrown seven straight shutouts.

Henrietta Green, a junior at Cajon, won the all-around state gymnastics championship this past weekend and was selected as one of seven athletes to represent California in the Regional Championships April 17-19 in Sacramento.

Green won the all-around competition with a combined score of 37.850. She took first in the floor exercise (9.525), second in the balance beam (9.45) and uneven bars (9.55) and third in the vault (9.325).

The one in the paper is a quoteless, shorter version due to deadlines, but this one can be found at www.sbsun.com/sports as well as here.

Here is the complete breakdown of Division I-A and Division I-AA signees per high school and per college.

By High School:
1. Upland 4; 2 tie. Cajon 3; Colony 3; 4 tie. Arroyo Valley 2; Diamond Ranch 2; Etiwanda 2; Los Osos 2; Rancho Cucamonga 2; Redlands 2; Redlands East Valley 2; 11 tie. Aquinas 1; Ayala 1; Bloomington 1; Colton 1; Diamond Bar 1; Eisenhower 1; Kaiser 1; Norco 1; Pomona 1; Roosevelt 1; San Bernardino 1; San Dimas 1; Yucaipa 1.

Obviously Upland was the big winner individually, especially since they had two Pac-10 guys (Josh Nunes and Osahon Irabor) and a Big Ten guy (Davion Fleming). But the city of San Bernardino had seven players (Aarein Booker, Chris Bradford, Daron Griffin, Walter Kazee, Michael Philipp, Marlon Pollard and J.P. Ragan) sign, with Colton's Nat Berhe giving the SAL another signee.

By University
1. UCLA 5; 2 tie. Oregon State 3; San Diego State 3; 4 tie. Fresno State 2; Idaho 2; New Mexico State 2; Northwestern 2; 8 tie. Air Force 1; Arizona State 1; Cal Poly SLO 1; Colorado State 1; Columbia 1; Louisville 1; Montana 1; Navy 1; New Mexico 1; Northern Arizona 1; South Florida 1; Southern Utah 1; Stanford 1; SUNY Stony Brook 1; UNLV 1; Utah 1; UTEP 1; Washington State 1.

A couple things stand out to me. The first one is the dominance of UCLA. Rick Neuheisel seems to recognize the growth of the Inland Empire and made great efforts out here, signing Marlon Pollard, Jayson Allmond, Richard Brehaut, Jared Koster and Brandon Sermons. San Diego State, who "hasn't been out here in years" according to Cajon coach Kim Battin seems to be making an IE effort under new coach Brady Hoke. Oregon State had a big year, while Fresno State continues its steady haul of local talent.

A couple of oddities exist as you go further. One is Northwestern, which picked off Fleming and Arby Fields from the Baseline League despite its location in suburban Chicago. Another is SUNY Stony Brook, who signed Taj Johnson from Upland this year, took Dominick Reyes from Hesperia last year and was in on Daron Griffin. Seems like this Long Island school is a player.

Also, look out for New Mexico State and Eastern Michigan in the future. The Aggies are now coached by former UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker - who is well-versed in the area - while Eastern Michigan is now being coached by Ganesha graduate Ron English. English recruited Southern California well for Michigan while on Lloyd Carr's staff and pulled Titus Teague from Pomona for Louisville while serving as defensive coordinator there this past season. Don't be surprised if the Eagles start coming up in conversation among 2010 recruits.

Wednesday morning at Cajon High School will be a busy one, as running back Walter Kazee and offensive lineman Daron Griffin will be signing letters of intent. Kazee, the All-County Most Valuable Player, verbally committed to San Diego State after taking an official visit there over the weekend according to Cajon athletic director Rich Imbriani, while Griffin verbally committed to Division I-AA Southern Utah over the weekend. Griffin, another all-County first-team selection, also made his commitment after an official visit.

The two will be joining cornerback Marlon Pollard, who is expected to sign with UCLA after verbally committing to the Bruins three weeks ago. Pollard was committed to Notre Dame, who is still recruiting him heavily, before he switched to UCLA.

Cajon defensive back Marlon Pollard verbally committed to UCLA after visiting the school on Jan. 10, decommitting from Notre Dame in the process. But that hasn't stopped the Fighting Irish from pursuing Pollard, a four-star recruit according to Rivals.com and Scout.com.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Corwin Brown stopped by the Pollard household last Wednesday to meet with the 6-foot-1, 170-pound all-CIF and all-County first-team selection and will have an in-home with the Pollard family Wednesday night according to Marlon's mother, Rachael Pollard.

"We have a great deal of respect for Corwin and a great deal of appreciation for how Notre Dame has approached their recruitment of Marlon," Pollard said. "We believe in not closing doors and getting all the information possible. Corwin has been up front with Marlon throughout this entire process and wants to put all the information he has out on the table."

Rachael Pollard reiteriated that her son is 100 percent committed to UCLA, with whom Marlon committed to prior to his junior year at Valencia before decommitting after Karl Dorrell's firing for Notre Dame, citing the bond Marlon had with the players and UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel.

"Marlon has a bond with the UCLA players and really wants to stay home and play in front of his family and friends," Rachael said. "That's the reason why we moved back to the Inland Empire to begin with. Our family is out here and Marlon was born in Pomona and played youth football in Rancho Cucamonga. He wanted to come back to where he was from.

"He wants to play in Southern California for coach Neuheisel. (Neuheisel) was very upfront about mistakes he made in his past and very honest about it, which is something we appreciate."

Marlon Pollard had already decided that he was going to come back to UCLA, with whom he had originally verbally committed to before decommitting to Notre Dame, during his official visit on Saturday.

But before the Cajon senior cornerback officially announced that, he had another comeback to take care of first.

"I was playing pool with (UCLA freshman defensive back) Rahim Moore and the stakes were that if I lost, I had to commit right away," Pollard said. "I didn't make any off the break and then he sunk five balls in a row. I thought I was going to lose for sure."

Pollard ended up making the miraculous billiards comeback, allowing him to keep his intentions quiet. But that's not something that Pollard could do for along as Bruin players, recruits, coaches and parents gathered together at head coach Rick Neuheisel's house.

"One of the other guys, I forgot his name, got up and announced his commitment 15 or 20 minutes later and I was like 'What about me, coach? What about me?'" Pollard said. "The coaches let me announce the commitment and everyone was happy."

Most importantly, Pollard is happy with being a Bruin, ending a nearly two-year recruiting saga. The 6-foot-1, 160-pound defensive back committed to UCLA coach Karl Dorrell before his junior year, only to decommit after Dorrell was fired. He then committed to Notre Dame over the summer, but UCLA kept up their pursuit. Stanford also joined in late.

"UCLA has been recruiting Marlon for over two years," said Marlon's mother, Rachael Pollard. "He was the youngest player ever to commit to UCLA. We just felt really comfortable with the players and coaches. We felt it was one big family. I'm very thankful to Stanford and Notre Dame for the interest they showed in Marlon."

Rachael Pollard also cited the job security, or lack thereof, of Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis as a factor. But ultimately, it was where Marlon felt comfortable that won out in her mind.

"It definitely helped that coach Neuheisel is going to be there 3-4 years at the very least," Pollard said. "But if there's one thing I've learned in this process, it's that at the end of the day, it's his decision. As a parent, you have your opinions, but it's needs to be his decision. And Marlon is really happy about UCLA and I'm happy for him. It's a comfortable, family environment with great education opportunities."

With Pollard, UCLA has a big Inland Empire contingent, as he joins Los Osos quarterback Richard Brehaut, Bloomington fullback Jayson Allmond and Diamond Ranch cornerback Brandon Sermons as Bruin committs. That connection, plus bonds he made with other players in the class, was important.

"Richard and I talk a lot," Pollard said. "I also have a pretty good relationship with (Carson TE) Morrell Presley and (La Puente Bishop Amat CB) Sheldon Price. I can't wait to play with all those guys."

Two of the top girls basketball teams in the County, Cajon and Etiwanda, will play each other at 3 p.m. Saturday at Staples Center as part of a tripleheader that includes the Clippers' game with the Milwaukee Bucks that night. The "Downtown Showdown" will start with a game between South Torrance and Palos Verdes at 1 p.m., followed by Cajon and Etiwanda at 3 and the Bucks-Clippers game at 7:30.

The 13-0 Cowgirls, the CIF-SS Division II-A champions a year ago, are led by 5-foot-9 senior point guard Layshia Clarendon, who has signed a letter of intent to play at California, and 6-2 senior center Darshae Burnside, who has signed with Arkansas. Clarendon averages 20.5 points, 8.8 assists, 8.5 rebounds and 3.9 steals per game while Burnside averages 19.8 points and 18.5 rebounds per game.

Etiwanda comes in with a 10-5 record but played the Cowgirls tough in the championship game of the Magnolia Classic on Dec. 20, falling 60-58. The Eagles are led by senior guard Amber Williams - who averages 17.5 points and 4.3 steals per game - junior guard Natalia Hawthorne (11.8 points, 3.7 steals) and 6-1 junior center Jasmine Bernard (10.4 points, 8.5 rebounds).

Tickets to all three games are $20 for upper-deck seats and $43 for lower-level seats prior to Saturday. On Saturday, they'll be selling for $25 and $50, respectively. You can also click this link or call Rob Strikwerda at 213.742.7541 to order by phone, or via email at RAS@Clippers.com

As I mentioned in earlier posts, I covered the Inland Empire All-Star Football Classic last night, a game that didn't go too well for the San Bernardino boys, who fell 38-7 to Riverside.

The San Bernardino team, coached by Los Osos' Tom Martinez, didn't have the full arsenal that Riverside had, as several highly-touted, Division I-committed players who were scheduled to play during the week dropped out. Among those were Arroyo Valley offensive lineman Michael Philipp - the No. 1 guard in the nation according to Rivals.com, Los Osos QB Richard Brehaut, Cajon CB Marlon Pollard, Upland CB Osahon Irabor and Upland CB Taj Johnson. Upland QB Josh Nunes also didn't play, as a hand injury suffered in the Central Division title game with Rancho Cucamonga hasn't fully healed.

After talking to UCLA commit Jayson Allmond at the conclusion of the Inland Empire All-Star Football Classic, I learned that Cajon cornerback Marlon Pollard has switched his commitment back from Notre Dame to UCLA. A corresponding story has gone up on Rivals.com which can be read here.

"I just heard tonight," said Allmond after San Bernardino's 38-7 loss to Riverside County at Los Osos High School. "It's great to have him as a Bruin."

Pollard is on his official visit to UCLA this weekend, which is why he didn't take part in the all-star game. The 6-foot-1, 160-pound cornerback transferred to Cajon from Valencia last winter. He had verbally committed to UCLA in the summer of 2007 but decommitted over this past summer after Karl Dorrell was fired and Rick Neuheisel was hired. He committed to Notre Dame in July and said his commitment was solid when Charlie Weis visited the Cajon campus in early December, but concerns over Weis' job security and Neuheisel's persistence seems to have won out.

Pollard joins an Inland Empire-heavy Bruin recruiting class which includes Allmond, Los Osos QB Richard Brehaut and Diamond Ranch CB Brandon Sermons. I'll have a more in-depth account with Pollard himself up tomorrow.

Took a little while, but here's the all-SAL team.

Offense
MVP - Walter Kazee, Sr., Cajon

First Team
QB - T.J. Smith, Sr., San Bernardino; Nick Vasquez, Sr., Colton
RB - Nat Berhe, Sr., Colton; Kenneth Chapple, Sr., Pacific; Derrick Malone, Jr., Colton; Tre Meadors, Sr., San Gorgonio
WR - Derrick Osborne, Jr., San Gorgonio; Vanzell Richardson, Jr., San Bernardino; Mark Salaiz, Sr., Cajon; Steven Williams, Jr., Arroyo Valley
OL - Johnathan Aguila, Sr., San Gorgonio; Daron Griffin, Sr., Cajon; Kevin Guerra, Sr., Colton; Jared Lunt, Sr., Cajon; Michael Philipp, Sr., Arroyo Valley
K - Alejandro Maldonado, Jr., Colton

Second Team
RB - Aaerin Booker, Sr., San Bernardino; Reggie Hammond, Sr., Cajon; O'Shay Jelks, Jr., Colton; Terrance McClendon, Sr., San Gorgonio
WR - Demarrio Brooks, So., San Gorgonio; Isiah Collier, Sr., Cajon; Damon Ogburn, Jr., Arroyo Valley; Marlon Pollard, Sr., Cajon
OL - Steven Alonzo, Sr., San Gorgonio; Martin Estrada, Sr., San Gorgonio; John Gonzales, Sr., Colton; Joe Miranda, Sr., Cajon; Sebastian Tretola, Jr., Cajon

Defense
MVP - Isaiah Williams, Sr., Cajon

First Team
DL - Alex Boykins, Sr., Arroyo Valley; Chris Bradford, Sr., Arroyo Valley; Mike Newton, Jr., Colton; Derrick Osborne, Sr., San Gorgonio.
LB - Andrew Anderson, Sr., Cajon; Robert Balderrama, Sr., San Gorgonio; Ofa Fifita, Jr., Arroyo Valley; Fred Myers, Jr., Pacific
DB - Nat Berhe, Sr., Colton; Jeff Cooper, Sr., Cajon; Marlon Pollard, Sr., Cajon; T.J. Smith, Sr., San Gorgonio.
P - Jimmy Chester, Jr., San Gorgonio

Second Team
DL - Brandon Caruso, Sr., San Gorgonio; Darryl Coleman, Sr., Arroyo Valley; Paul Curiel, Sr., San Bernardino; Ma'alona Kiliona, Jr., Colton
LB - Abdul Arugandande, Sr., Cajon; Andre Cash, Sr., Cajon; Joseph Godsy, Sr., Cajon; Devan Hussey, So., Colton
DB - Fabian Calzada, Jr., Arroyo Valley; Kenneth Chapple, Sr., Pacific; Dominique Williams, Jr., San Bernardino; Vincent Williams, Jr., Cajon

Upland cornerback/wide receiver Osahon Irabor, a verbal commitment to Arizona State, cracked the Rivals250 Thursday, moving up to No. 248. In the process, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound senior was upgraded from a three-star recruit to four stars.

Other local players ranked in the Rivals250 are Arroyo Valley offensive lineman Michael Philipp (No. 38), Los Osos quarterback Richard Brehaut (No. 56) and Cajon cornerback/wide receiver Marlon Pollard (No. 148). Brehaut is committed to UCLA while Pollard is committed to Notre Dame.

Just outside the top 250 is Upland QB Josh Nunes (Stanford) and Diamond Ranch CB Brandon Sermons (UCLA).

Just got done with the Serrano-Citrus Hill game, which saw the Diamondbacks almost pull a huge upset before losing 18-15. Serrano held Citrus Hill, which came in averaging over 500 yards of offense per game, to 250 yards. But Hawks' star running back Deontae Cooper scored twice, including the game-winner with 2:09 left, and ran for 136 yards.

Also, received a text message from Clay Fowler confirming a 23-13 Rancho Cucamonga win over Cajon. Don't have any specifics on the game right now, other than it was delayed an hour and 15 minutes due to a power outage in San Bernardino.

Fun times in the high school ranks, even with some of my picks last week taking a beating. I went 10-6 this week, sweeping the Inland Division and splitting the other three. Oh well.

CENTRAL DIVISION

No. 1 Rancho Cucamonga at No. 4 Cajon
This should be a good one and after going to each campus this week to talk to coaches and players about it, I'm excited. I won't be covering, but Clay Fowler will have a jolly old time at this one. You have two big-play spread teams, with Greg Watson and his cadre of explosive wideouts carrying the torch for Rancho and RB Walter Kazee doing the same for Cajon. I picked Rancho to win the Central title before the playoffs started, and I have to stick with it. We'll see if Cajon burns me again.
Rancho Cucamonga 33, Cajon 28

No. 2 Los Osos at Upland
Now I will be at this game, which should also be a doozy. I guess its redundant to say that a CIF semifinal game should be good, but I really don't care. What I'm looking to see is if Josh Nunes can break the Richard Brehaut jinx. Yes, I know there are plenty of other players (Arby Fields, Davion Fleming, Osahon Irabor to name three) worth mentioning, but Nunes has never beaten Brehaut. Shoot, even the two schools he verbally committed to (Tennessee and then Stanford) lost to Brehaut's school, UCLA. Upland is hoping that Nunes is due. I'm thinking he is.
Upland 34, Los Osos 27

EASTERN DIVISION

Serrano at No. 1 Perris Citrus Hill
This is where I'll be tomorrow night and quite frankly, the more I read up on Citrus Hill, the more I'm blown away. The Hawks have won all of their games by more than 26 points, average over 50 points a game and have a Division I QB in Caleb Herring and a future D-1 RB in junior Deontae Cooper. Serrano won't be intimidated, having played at Upland and Hesperia this season, but the Diamondbacks will have their hands full. Gotta go with the Hawks, though Serrano will keep it close (relatively speaking).
Citrus Hill 41, Serrano 23

Barstow at Silverado
At the very least, the Desert Sky League will get some major street cred. With two teams facing off, the DSL will get one team in the title game, definitely helping it shed the rep of being the "other" High Desert league. As for the game, its a pretty fascinating contrast in styles, with Barstow's double-wing going against Silverado's frenetic no-huddle spread offense. The Aztecs will need to chew clock to keep red-hot Hawk QB Jemeryn Jenkins off the field. They'll have their moments, but Silverado seems to be on a mission.
Silverado 36, Barstow 20

EAST VALLEY DIVISION

No. 1 St. Margaret's 38, Pasadena Maranatha 27

Fillmore at Twentynine Palms
Both of these teams are surprises of sorts. For the host Wildcats, the surprise isn't that they are here, but the way they destroyed Aquinas to get here. Twentynine Palms had defeated the Falcons during the regular season, so a win wasn't shocking, but a 40-0 whitewashing certainly was. The Flashes were more of the conventional surprise, upsetting No. 2-seeded Brentwood to get here. I think the Wildcats, who have scored 103 points in the playoffs so far, continue to roll.
Twentynine Palms 42, Fillmore 17

INLAND DIVISION

No. 1 Corona Centennial 42, Murrieta Valley 13

No. 3 Temecula Chaparral at Norco
These two teams last faced off in the 2006 Inland finals, with Norco placing a 43-0 beating on the Pumas. Chaparral, making its third straight semifinal appearance, its pretty rough on defense, as they beat Redlands East Valley up front in a 20-0 shutout. Norco has made its living on physical play, so this should be a good one, but I feel Chaparral is due.
Chaparral 21, Norco 10

Last week: 10-6. Overall record: 242-60-4.

Cajon High School got a surprise visit Wednesday, as Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis stopped by campus to talk to Cajon senior cornerback Marlon Pollard, who verbally committed to the Fighting Irish over the summer.

According to Cowboys coach Kim Battin, Weis' visit was part of a West Coast recruiting swing the Notre Dame coach was undertaking after his team's 38-3 loss to USC at the Coliseum on Saturday.

Weis met with Pollard and the Pollard family, spending time on campus and going out to lunch with the Pollards.

"It was cool," Marlon Pollard said. "We've been talking a bit but this week was the first week he could really come out and visit. It was cool to come out and talk about some things."

One thing that wasn't discussed too much was Weis' job security at Notre Dame, which had come under fire after the 6-6 Irish had lost four of their five games. But despite the rampant media speculation, which was quelled Wednesday when Notre Dame announced that Weis was going to be back next season, Pollard wasn't worried. He says he's solid with Notre Dame and isn't planning on taking any visits.

"Coaches still call me, but I don't think I'm going anywhere," Pollard said. "I wasn't really that worried about Coach. My mom knows some people at Notre Dame and if something was about to happen, she would have known about it right away. We weren't hearing anything so we figured everything was all right."

Along with meeting with Pollard, Weis spent a little time talking with the rest of the Cajon team, something that senior defensive back Jeffrey Cooper enjoyed.

"I've never met a major coach like that," Cooper said. "It was pretty cool. He was giving us advice, telling us to keep working hard and play the way we are capable of."

Doing this a little early, as I'm off doing the holiday thing for the next two days. Not a bad week last week, though its fair to say that I screwed up games involving public schools in the Redlands Metropolitan Area.

CENTRAL DIVISION

Paloma Valley at No. 1 Rancho Cucamonga
So my upset special wasn't special. Actually, my real upset special was Glendora, but it's all good. Paloma Valley did well, but they'll have their hands full with Rancho, which received quite a scare last week for Colton. Look for Greg Watson and the Rancho passing attack to carry their big fourth quarter over.
Rancho Cucamonga 33, Paloma Valley 20

No. 4 Cajon at Ayala
I was at the Cajon-Etiwanda game last week and it was a hum-dinger, as both teams played their hearts out. The win was big for the Cowboys' psyche, just because they don't have to hear the 'Well, you are just a product of the SAL' talk as much. What they will have to deal with is a darn good Ayala team that can come at you in waves. I picked Ayala before the playoffs and am sticking with that.
Ayala 30, Cajon 27

Glendora at Upland
The jaw-dropping score of the week definitely came from Glendora, which destroyed No. 3 Hemet West Valley. I'll pat my back because I predicted an upset, but I didn't expect the beatdown that took place. Upland beat down Chaffey, which was expected, and plays the Tartans for the third time since last November. Each team has one, and I'm predicting Upland to win the rubber match.
Upland 34, Glendora 28

No. 2 Los Osos at Chino Hills
Richard Brehaut used his legs more than his arm to lead the Grizzlies to victory last week. That's nice, but that ain't going to fly against Chino Hills. The Huskies bulldozed San Gorgonio 52-14 thanks to a monster day from RB A.J. Johnson. Chino Hills keeps plugging along to little fan fare (despite Fowler's exemplary article) and will do so again, "upsetting" Los Osos.
Chino Hills 27, Los Osos 21

EASTERN DIVISION

No. 1 Perris Citrus Hill 36, Palm Desert 25

Serrano at Banning
I'm not going to lie, Banning's win over Kaiser shocked me. I did not see that coming. I guess i should get to know more about Banning, but I don't think they are going to knock off another Eastern power. Serrano trounced La Quinta behind junior RB Dionza Bradford and could very well be the dark horse in this bracket. The Banning story is a good one, but one that will end.
Serrano 28, Banning 14

No. 3 Palm Springs at Barstow
The Aztecs are another one of those teams that doesn't get hype but wins. They can throw three RBs at you in the double-wing and have some massive hombres blocking. But Palm Springs is red-hot and this is pretty much what they do. After whipping Summit, Palm Springs will have its way with Barstow late.
Palm Springs 23, Barstow 16

No. 2 Hesperia at Silverado
Don't look now but the Hawks, who started 0-6, are amazingly still alive and quite a threat behind QB Jemeryn Jenkins. Jenkins is a ridiculous talent, slicing and dicing Patriot for 406 yards last week. However, Hesperia put on a clinic against Notre Dame, barely breaking a sweat in winning 55-27. The rested Scorpions have a little too much sting.
Hesperia 31, Silverado 19

EAST VALLEY DIVISION

No. 1 St. Margaret's at Yucca Valley
Yucca Valley has been an awesome story, recovering from several tattered years to win a De Anza League co-championship and a playoff game. It's a great job Tim Connavo is doing out there. However, this isn't going to be pretty. St. Margaret's hasn't been challenged all year and Yucca, for all their strengths, don't have the ability to.
St. Margaret's 41, Yucca Valley 16

Pasadena Maranatha at Big Bear
The Bears made me look smart, which is hard to do, coming up with the brassy 33-32 upset over No. 4 Santa Paula. It's been a tough year at Big Bear, but you know the Bears will growl at playoff time. I'll be up the hill to watch them take on Maranatha, which is just annoying to type. So I'll predict. I am tempted to take the Bears, but I picked the other team (see what I did there?) last week. Can't change now.
Maranatha 24, Big Bear 20

No. 3 Aquinas at Twentynine Palms
I kind of wish I was at this game Friday, because this one is going to be a war. Aquinas has been rolling over fools this year behind QB Tyler Stirewalt and his merry band of skill-position playmakers, but the Falcons' only loss came to Twentynine Palms - a team that put 63 up on Brethren Christian last week. I expect the Palms to be jumping, but Aquinas to exact revenge.
Aquinas 28, Twentynine Palms 26

No. 2 Brentwood 27, Fillmore 13

INLAND DIVISION

No. 1 Corona Centennial 42, Vista Murrieta 10

No. 4 Miller at Murrieta Valley
The Rebels looked awesome on offense in their 48-21 victory over Roosevelt, gaining well over 500 yards and looking like the juggernaut unit it was last year under A.J. Springer. yeah, Juan Flores and David Dash next year could be mad scary. However, the defense has showed some signs of slippage lately, which won't be helped by Murrieta Valley. I have the Rebels losing a heartbreaker on the road, similar to their loss to Chaparral last year.
Murrieta Valley 28, Miller 23

Redlands East Valley at No. 3 Temecula Chaparral
After impaling the Santiago Sharks, REV looks to take out a Chaparral team that's been hell on the CBL in recent years. The Pumas took out REV two years ago and Miller this year, meaning they have run up quite a tab. The REV offense has erupted lately, but I don't see them evening the bill this week. I will be at the game though to see if I'm wrong and to see if Lindsay Soto is there. I can always hope.
Chaparral 23, Redlands East Valley 19

Norco 27, Riverside North 17

Last week: 26-6. Overall: 232-54-4.

Well, the regular season ended with me going 23-3 overall, giving me a wicked awesome record of 206-48-4. I know, I'm the man, but the playoffs are the true measure of manhood. So we'll break them up to give everyone extra-special attention, starting with the Central Division. And in friendly competition with Clay Fowler, I'll add my complete division picks at the bottom.

Colton at No. 1 Rancho Cucamonga
If I'm Rancho, I'm furious at this matchup. Not necessarily because Colton is great - this isn't a vintage Yellowjacket team - but because preparing for the double-wing is annoying. It's not run very often and its almost impossible for the JV or scout team to simulate. Except some hiccups early from unfamiliarity, Rancho should control this game though.
Rancho Cucamonga 28, Colton 16

Wildomar Elsinore at No. 2 Los Osos
I know that Elsinore went to the title game two years ago and lost to Colony. I know they are south of here. Besides that, I don't know much about them. I know Los Osos can score with Richard Brehaut and Arby Fields and they can defend better than usual. It's the latter which will allow Osos to pull away.
Los Osos 27, Elsinore 10

Etiwanda at No. 4 Cajon
The San Andreas League champion against an at-large. Easy win right? Not so fast. I think this may be the most entertaining game involving local teams in any division, as the Angel Santiago experience will be matchup up with Walter Kazee, Marlon Pollard and his Cajon buddies. This game is pretty big for the SAL's morale, as a loss to the No. 4 Baseline team would be a rough one to swallow. Cajon will gut past a tough-luck Etiwanda squad.
Cajon 34, Etiwanda 31

Colony at Ayala
Colony isn't exactly rolling coming into the playoffs, losing to Chaffey and Ontario down the stretch. But they are the two-time Central champions, which should mean something, even though the Central Division is infinitely better than it was when Colony won. The Titans have talent and will fight, but Ayala will be too much. I'm boring with these picks I know.
Ayala 23, Colony 14

San Gorgonio at Chino Hills
It's almost like I've seen this game before. Oh wait, I have. Actually, I didn't see the 42-20 Huskies win in person, but I seriously enough has changed to drastically alter the result. San G has won five of six since then, but Chino Hills has too much talent and balance.
Chino Hills 31, San Gorgonio 16

Ontario at Paloma Valley
I want to pick an upset. I really do - I almost feel its my duty as a blogger to pick a ridiculous upset, then take the prerequisite ribbing once that pick goes completely to waste. You see where I'm going here. Ontario is scrappy under QB Herman Huezo and will pull the shocker. I guess.
Ontario 18, Paloma Valley 16

Upland at Chaffey
I guess I could have been extremely lame and called this my upset, saying that Upland's No. 3 seed in the Baseline and being on the road is probable cause for calling this an upset. But I'm not going to insult your intelligence any more than I already have. Chaffey's physical running game might do some things early, but Upland has way too much firepower.
Upland 30, Chaffey 12

Other game of note that I'm not writing about because the teams aren't in the County:
Glendora 28, No. 3 Hemet West Valley 24

Quarterfinals
No. 1 Rancho Cucamonga over Ontario
Ayala over No. 4 Cajon
Upland over Glendora
Chino Hills over No. 2 Los Osos

Semifinals
No. 1 Rancho Cucamonga over Ayala
Upland over Chino Hills

Finals
No. 1 Rancho Cucamonga over Upland

The CIF-Southern Section football playoff brackets were released a few hours ago. Definitely some interesting things going on in the pairings. Here are some early observations on the brackets, which can be downloaded from www.cifss.org.

Central Division
- Rancho Cucamonga wasn't done any favors. Although the 9-0-1 Cougars were awarded the No. 1 seed, they got paired up with Colton in the first round. The Yellowjackets may not be as good as they usually are, but that double-wing offense is a headache to defend. Los Osos, on the other hand, got the No. 2 seed and is hosting Elsinore out of the Sunbelt League. If it wins, it'll face the Chino Hills-San Gorgonio winner.

- Chaffey also should be a little perturbed, as the Mt. Baldy League champions get the pleasure of hosting Upland, the third-place team in the Baseline League. It will be tough for the Tigers to match up with that firepower.

- Chino Hills-San G is a rematch of a game played on Oct. 3 at San G, won 42-20 by Chino Hills. Needless to say, tough draw for the Spartans.

- Cajon, the SAL champ, gets wild-card Etiwanda in the first round. The Cowboys were the No. 4 seed but will be tested by an explosive Eagles team. Ayala, the Sierra No. 1 seed, also gets a tough draw by hosting two-time defending division champion Colony.

Eastern Division
- Hesperia has a pretty favorable draw. As expected, the Scorpions got the No. 2 seed in the division behind Citrus Hill and draws Riverside Notre Dame in the first round. It'll get the Silverado at Patriot winner in the quarterfinals if it wins. The other league champion on its side of the bracket - Palm Springs - was 7-3 in a mediocre Desert Valley League.

- Rim of the World has a rough matchup, having to face No. 1 seed Perris Citrus Hill and its star RB Deonte Cooper. Ridgecrest Burroughs wasn't done many favors either, as it hosts Palm Desert - which was ranked near the top of the division rankings all year.

- Kaiser gets Banning in the first round and has a very intriguing second-round matchup if it wins, as it will face the La Quinta at Serrano winner.

East Valley Division
- Aquinas gets the No. 3 seed and hosts Kern Valley in the first round. Should it win, it could have a tasty rematch with Twentynine Palms, which dealt the Falcons their only loss. There's also potential for a Big Bear-Ontario Christian rematch in the second round.

- Arrowhead Christian and Big Bear qualify as at-larges and have tough first round matchups, as the Eagles play at No. 2 seed Brentwood while the Bears head to Santa Paula.

Inland Division
- Miller gets the No. 4 seed and hosts Roosevelt, which is making its first playoff appearance in school history.

- Lots of revenge possibilities. Redlands East Valley is on the same side of the bracket with Redlands, and the Wildcats get a chance to avenge their loss to Corona Santiago in the Inland semifinals a year ago. If Redlands wins at Riverside North and Norco wins at Moreno Valley Rancho Verde, a rematch of their overtime semifinal two years ago would happen.

- Rancho Verde, the No. 2 seed, got a tough first-round matchup with a seasoned Norco squad and isn't done any favors in round two, having to face Redlands or two-time Eastern Division champ North.

- Yucaipa gets the unenviable task of facing Corona Centennial. That could get ugly quick.

Here we go going into the playoffs. The same 10 teams make up the poll for the third straight week.

1. Miller (10-0)
After a pseudo-scare against Eisenhower last week, the Rebels got back to dominating by whupping Fontana this week. I wasn't surprised by it, as the Rebel players I saw at the REV-Redlands game last week guaranteed a better effort this week. It will be interesting to see where they are slated tomorrow.

2. Rancho Cucamonga (9-0-1)
Wind gusts at Los Osos High School really changed the dynamic of their game against Upland, but Rancho, as has been the case all season, stepped it up. Winning a loaded Baseline this year is extremely impressive.

3. Hesperia (10-0)
The Scorpions are straight ballin' right now, just destroying everyone in the High Desert at this point. I'm expecting Hesperia to be the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Division when brackets are released tomorrow.

4. Redlands East Valley (9-1)
The Wildcats showed no emotional hangover from the Redlands win, disposing of a decent Eisenhower team pretty easily. It will be interesting to see how REV's bend-but-don't-break defense plays in the postseason.

5. Los Osos (8-2)
Arby Fields celebrated his commitment to Northwestern by running wild against Etiwanda, assuring the Grizzlies of a high seed in the Central Bracket tomorrow. This team is probably the most complete one that Osos has seen.

6. Cajon (9-1)
The Cowboys laid waste to the San Andreas League, breaking the Colton strangehold on that lead. How their game will translate against teams from the Baseline and Sierra Leagues remains to be seen.

7. Chino Hills (9-1)
The Huskies avoid the late-season swoon that has happened the past couple of years by beating Diamond Bar. They are definitely a team no one wants to face in the Central Division.

8. Upland (8-2)
This seems a little harsh, but your offense needs to be able to score points no matter what the conditions are. But, barring another onslaught of gale-force winds, Upland is a No. 3 seed that is going to anger whoever is unlucky to face them this week.

9. Ayala (8-2)
Losing to Glendora isn't the best way to celebrate the Chino Hills victory, but it was ultimately harmless in the grand scheme of things, as Ayala won the coin flip and the No. 1 seed anyway.

10. Kaiser (6-3-1)
The Cats are rolling and will be a tough team to beat in the Eastern playoffs. Sure, Patriot was overrated a bit, but it doesn't detract from the impressive nature of Friday's victory.

Just missed the cut: Chaffey (8-2), Serrano (7-3), Aquinas (9-1).

The second in my series is the San Andreas League, which is simple up top but has the potential to be a complete mess on the bottom if some upsets happen.

1. Cajon (8-1, 4-0): Clinched the No. 1 seed out of the San Andreas League in the Central Division playoffs by virtue of its league-opening win over San Gorgonio. Looking to move up in seeding.

2. San Gorgonio (5-4, 3-1): Clinched the No. 2 seed out of the San Andreas League by virtue of holding the head-to-head tiebreakers over Colton, Arroyo Valley and San Bernardino.

3. Colton (5-3-1, 2-2): Can clinch the No. 3 seed with a victory Friday at Arroyo Valley. If the Yellowjackets lose, they can still qualify if San Bernardino upsets Cajon. In that case, there'd be a three-way tie for third where head-to-head cancels out, leaving a three-way coin flip for one spot. The Yellowjackets could conceiveably grab an at-large bid, but that is more likely to go to the Baseline League, namely the Los Osos-Etiwanda loser.

4. Arroyo Valley (4-5, 1-3): Would clinch the No. 3 seed with a victory over Colton Friday and a San Bernardino loss. If it wins and San Bernardino wins, the Hawks would be in a three-way flip with Colton and San Bernardino for the last spot. If Arroyo Valley, San Bernardino and Pacific win, the Hawks would get the playoff berth, as it would win a four-way tiebreaker with Colton, San Berdoo and Pacific. In that situation, Colton and Arroyo Valley would be 2-1 in head-to-head while the Cardinals and Pirates would be 1-2, with Arroyo advancing by virtue of beating Colton. I think I've just gone crosseyed writing that.

5. San Bernardino (2-7, 1-3): The Cardinals need a win over Cajon Friday and an Arroyo Valley win over Colton. In that case, the Cardinals, Yellowjackets and Hawks would have a three-way flip for the final playoff spot.

6. Pacific (1-8, 1-3): The Pirates have been eliminated from playoff contention, as there isn't a tiebreaker that favors them.

Cajon coach Mark Lehman just confirmed to me that senior guard Layshia Clarendon and senior post Darshae Burnside were signing national letters of intent with California and Arkansas, respectively.

"I think we pretty much knew this day was coming," Lehman said. "They came in their freshman year and started right away. With their talent, you knew that they had a shot to have this happen for them."

Cajon is trying to set up an assembly in front of the student body for the formal signing sometime in the next week, as the Fall Signing Period starts Wednesday and runs through Nov. 19. Lehman indicated that a date hasn't been picked as of yet, but a few were under consideration.

The 5-foot-9 Clarendon, the CIF-SS Division II-A player of the year, was a first-team all-state selection by calhisports.com and was the Sun's All-County Most Valuable Player this past season. Clarendon averaged 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists and four steals per game for the Cowgirls, who won their first-ever CIF title last March with a 51-47 victory over Ayala.

"It feels pretty great right now," said Clarendon, who chose from a final three of Cal, UCLA and Arizona State. "It's one of those things that I always hoped would happen, but I wasn't sure if it would come together like this. Cal was a perfect place for me and I feel as if everything is falling into place."

Burnside, a first-team all-state, all-CIF and all-County selection a year ago, averaged 15.5 points, 16.1 rebounds and 4.0 blocked shots per game. She has quickly climbed up the all-time state rebounding leaders, with Lehman saying that she is roughly 160 rebounds away from being the leading rebounder in state history.

I only got a brief word in with Burnside before her cell phone cut out, basically me congratulating her and her saying "Thanks." I guess that's as good of confirmation as any until I can speak with her more.

A little late on all my blogging, so I'll try to catch up a bit. Only real movement this week involved the Sierra League.

1. Miller (9-0)
The Rebels had a letdown against a spirited Eisenhower team and didn't exactly win many style points in their 28-21 triumph. However, I'm not going to down a team for being a little flat after two emotional wins. Plus, the Rebels seem to realize what being No. 1 means - the best effort from every opponent.

2. Rancho Cucamonga (8-0-1)
I kept the Cougars here at two despite another impressive win. However, they have a huge showdown this week with Upland. Get a win there and Rancho might have a good case to jump Miller.

3. Hesperia (9-0)
Winning up on the mountain 41-12, which Hesperia did against Rim of the World, is pretty impressive, especially coming off the emotional win over Serrano. Only Apple Valley stands in the way of an undefeated regular season and plush playoff seed.

4. Upland (8-1)
The Highlanders had to scratch and claw to get away from a game Etiwanda team, but that doesn't deserve any grief. However, a similar performance against Rancho Cucamonga would not be advised.

5. Redlands East Valley (8-1)
The Wildcats aren't flashy and quite frankly, could have very easily gone down to Redlands this weekend. But REV seems to have a "refuse-to-lose" moxie to them, something that will help them immensely in the postseason.

6. Los Osos (7-2)
The Grizzlies took care of Claremont to the surprise of absolutely nobody. But their finale will be a dogfight, as they'll be facing an Etiwanda team that could be playing for its playoff life.

7. Cajon (8-1)
The Cowboys destroyed Arroyo Valley this week, so they earn the right not to get jumped. I was tempted to put Ayala here, but I gave Cajon the benefit of the doubt, if just for this week.

8. Ayala (8-1)
The Bulldogs won "The Bone" again by beating Chino Hills. I'm not sure they recognize the trophy, but Ayala definitely recognizes a chance to be the fifth different Sierra League champion in five years.

9. Chino Hills (8-1)
Tough, tough loss for the Huskies. It will be interesting to see how Chino Hills responds and how much mental toughness they have in comparison to some CHHS teams of the recent past.

10. Kaiser (5-3-1)
Kaiser destroyed Jurupa Valley, which doesn't really surprise anyone. You know that the Cats, who saw Jurupa kill their 31-game Sunkist win streak a year ago, had to feel good about getting revenge. A showdown with Riverside Patriot for the Sunkist League title awaits.

Just missed the cut: Chaffey (7-2), Serrano (6-3), Aquinas (8-1)

Missed the Broncos-Browns game and the college games tonight. Oh well. Maybe I should concentrate more on high schools anyway, as the upsets last week left me an unsatisfactory 16-8 last week. Gotta do better than that.

Redlands at Redlands East Valley
This should be one of the more animated games of the season, with vitrol coming from both sides. Can REV recover from its loss to Miller? Will Redlands hype itself way too much and hit a fatal lull? A couple of interesting things. This game has gone Red-REV-Red-REV-Red-REV the last six years and every year REV has won, its won a league title. It's Redlands' turn in the cycle and REV won't likely win a title, so I'm going with the Terriers.
Redlands 21, Redlands East Valley 17

Ayala at Chino Hills
I pick against Chino Hills quite a bit. They end up making me look dumber than I already am. I'm sick of looking dumb, at least when it comes to Chino Hills. So yeah, I'm picking the Huskies this week. Are you happy? Are you not entertained? Wait, don't answer the last one.
Chino Hills 27, Ayala 22

Arroyo Valley at Cajon
Michael Philipp was honored this week with a berth in the U.S. Army All-American game, a great achievement for the Arroyo Valley offensive lineman. Now if Philipp could carry the ball, the Hawks would be in business. Losing to San Berdoo was definitely a slap in the face, and Cajon is straight ballin' right now. Probably too hard for Arroyo to turn it around this week.
Cajon 31, Arroyo Valley 10

Etiwanda at Upland
Upland should be all hyped-up for a showdown with Rancho Cucamonga next week but can hardly afford to overlook the Eagles in this game. Both of these teams can pass (seriously, who in the Baseline can't?) but I think the Highlanders have a little more talent across the board.
Upland 38, Etiwanda 24

Patriot at Summit
Summit used a lifeline last week against Norte Vista, phoning a friend and getting a 26-point second half to eke out a 32-28 victory after being down 28-6. That isn't going to work against a solid Patriot team that will almost assuredly be the first Patriot/Rubidoux/whatever team to get a playoff berth since 2001. Summit will disrupt a potential Sunkist showdown between Patriot and Kaiser next week with a win.
Summit 27, Patriot 20

Ontario at Chaffey
After the huge overtime win over Colony, it would be easy for the Tigers to strut down Euclid Avenue and feel high and mighty. But this Ontario team, also undefeated in the Mt. Baldy League, can bite them if Chaffey isn't careful. QB Herman Huezo has been a dual-threat force for the Jaguars, but he won't be enough.
Chaffey 34, Ontario 19

Hesperia at Rim of the World
A tricky game for the Scorpions after the big win over Serrano last week, as they have to face a physical Rim team up the mountain, where they are privvy to dealing with fog, snow, smoke and whatever other meterological annoyance is liable to crop up. I think Hesperia has too much depth and too many playmakers though.
Hesperia 35, Rim of the World 16

Aquinas at Ontario Christian
The Ontario Christian spread offense erupted against ACA this past week and just in time, as the Knights were on a four-game win streak. While the Knights have struggled with the new schemes, Aquinas is tossing the ball around effortlessly with QB Tyler Stirewalt and WR Jim Jones. Just way too much firepower on the Falcons' side.
Aquinas 38, Ontario Christian 20

Big Bear at Twentynine Palms
While 29 is looking for its second straight championship, it still has a mountain to climb - figuratively, not literally - against Big Bear. The two teams didn't play last year due to the wildfires in the San Bernardino Mountains and corresponding smoke, so Big Bear gets to defend its honor a bit. I say 29 completes this title though.
Twentynine Palms 28, Big Bear 23

Victor Valley at Barstow
Yes, the Desert Sky League needs love too, especially since Burroughs' win over Silverado made it a four-team clusterbomb for three playoff berths. The Jackrabbits and Aztecs are essentially playing an elimination game in this one, especially Victor Valley, which has Ridgecrest Burroughs on the docket next week. Barstow takes this.
Barstow 32, Victor Valley 21

Other games of note, led by the one I have to leave for in a few minutes:
Miller 28, Eisenhower 6
Carter 24, Yucaipa 20
Fontana 20, Rialto 17
Western Christian 30, Arrowhead Christian 17
Rancho Cucamonga 35, Alta Loma 10
Los Osos 45, Claremont 7
San Gorgonio 31, San Bernardino 13
Colton 48, Pacific 6
Kaiser 45, Jurupa Valley 0
Bloomington 23, Norte Vista 21
Apple Valley 38, Sultana 12
Serrano 31, Ridgecrest Burroughs 23
Silverado 33, Granite Hills 14
Colony 41, Montclair 15
Yucca Valley 30, Acton Vasquez 10
Glendora 24, Chino 10

Overall record: 164-38-4

Lots of topsy-turviness this week, as last week's poll was turned upside down.

1. Miller (8-0)
Congratulations to the Rebels, who shut down previous No. 1 Redlands East Valley, giving the Wildcats their first regular-season loss since September 2006. Miller now can see a Citrus Belt League title staring it in its face.

2. Rancho Cucamonga (7-0-1)
I'm a man of my word if nothing else. I said should Rancho defeat Los Osos, it would make a huge jump. The Cougars did that and now have the pole position in the chase for a Baseline League title. Just a great story, especially given the star power of Osos and Upland.

3. Hesperia (8-0)
The Scorpions took a huge step toward that elusive Mojave River League title, beating a Serrano team that has traditionally been a thorn in its side. A tricky road game at Rim of the World is next, but Hesperia is looking pretty darn good right now.

4. Upland (7-1)
The Highlanders were impressive, showing no hangover from the loss to Los Osos. I felt kind of funny putting Upland past the Grizzlies, but I feel that Los Osos' two losses give me justification for such a move.

5. Redlands East Valley (7-1)
The Wildcats tumble to here, as their inconsistent offensive play finally caught up with them against Miller. It doesn't get much easier for REV, as a tricky crosstown showdown with Redlands next on the docket.

6. Chino Hills (8-0)
Big win for the Huskies at Glendora, as Chino Hills continues to march on. I contemplated moving the Huskies even higher than this, but like with Rancho, they'll eventually get there if they take care of business.

7. Los Osos (6-2)
This was the toughest team to rank, as I almost dropped the Grizzlies to 8th after their loss to Rancho. However, their quality wins are quality, and I couldn't possibly justify putting Los Osos behind a Cajon team that it beat on the road.

8. Cajon (7-1)
The Cowboys actually moved down despite rolling Pacific, but that was more due to big wins by Rancho and Chino Hills than anything the Cowboys did or didn't do. Either way, Cajon stayed on track for a San Andreas League title.

9. Ayala (7-1)
The Bulldogs took care of business against Damien, setting up a huge crosstown showdown with Chino Hills as the Sierra League title hangs in the balance. Should be a great one at Chino Hills High on Friday.

10. Kaiser (4-3-1)
This last spot was tough, as there were 4 or 5 other teams that could have conceivably been in this spot. However, I like the way Kaiser has played of late and would put their three losses (Riverside North, Cajon and Los Osos) against anyone else's. So the Cats get the nod for now.

Just missed the cut: Chaffey (6-2), Etiwanda (5-3), Serrano (5-3).
Dropped out: No. 9 Serrano (5-3).